A police officer who collapsed and died while on duty in London last night was pursuing a robbery suspect at the time, it emerged today.
Detective Constable Adele Cashman, 30, was one of several officers who were chasing two youths after a mugging in Belsize Park.
The crime squad officer was running after one of the suspects in Belsize Park Gardens when she collapsed.
She was rushed to the Royal Free Hospital but died 90 minutes later at 11.10pm.
Tributes were paid to the officer this morning and her colleagues at the scene were visibly upset by her death.
Acting Camden Borough Commander, Richard Tucker, said : "Adele was a much loved and wholly dedicated officer.
We at Camden, are completely devastated at her sudden passing and our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this tragically sad time."
Scotland Yard said DC Cashman was pursuing two suspects who had snatched a smartphone from a 59-year-old woman in Haverstock Hill.
The robbery took place at around 9.35pm and the victim herself began chasing after the teenage suspects when uniform officers on patrol joined the chase.
They called for back-up and detectives from Camden’s Crime Squad, including DC Cashman, raced to the scene.
DC Cashman was with a colleague in Belsize Park Gardens when they spotted one of the suspects and ran after him.
Her colleague managed to arrest the teenager but DC Cashman collapsed during the chase.
Two suspects, both aged 17, were arrested and a phone was also recovered.
The officer, who is a keen sportswoman and triathlon competitor, was based at Kentish Town and had only just returned to duty after a holiday
Commander Tony Eastaugh said: "The thoughts of everyone in the Met are very much with Adele's family, friends and colleagues at this extremely difficult time.
"Adele worked on both Camden and Wandsworth boroughs and was held in high regard by all who met her - she will be sorely missed by everyone who had the privilege of working alongside her."
A section of the street in Belsize Park was cordoned off as detectives continued their inquiries.
Writer Miranda Seymour and local resident said people were in shock over the incident.
She said: "This neighbourhood is so quiet. Nothing happens here it is such a shock. Last night plain clothes officers were here and trying to reassure us residents. It is just not a scene you expect to unfold here."
A Met spokesman said DC Cashman’s family had been informed and inquiries into the circumstances surrounding her death were under way.
The police officer was previously based at Wandsworth borough as a Pc but had recently moved to Camden as a detective.
