Man, 18, charged in Pc death probe

An 18-year-old man has been charged with killing an off-duty police officer.

Pc Chris Findley, 33, died in hospital 10 days after being involved in a scuffle outside a nightclub in Wolverhampton.

The officer, who was based at Sandwell police station, was off duty at the time of the incident in the early hours of January 28.

West Midlands Police have charged an 18-year-old man with his manslaughter. The man, from Bilston, will appear at Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court on March 27, the force said.

A 20-year-old woman has been cautioned for assault while a second woman has been released without further action, a force spokesperson said.

Pc Findley, from Wolverhampton, suffered a serious head injury after becoming involved in a row during a night out in the city centre.

The officer was punched as he walked past the Divine Bar in Darlington Street, Wolverhampton, after becoming involved in an argument with a man and two women who were leaving the club.

The officer, who was left unconscious in the street, is believed to have been attacked at around 4.30am on January 28.

Colleagues at West Midlands Police paid tribute to the officer following his death.

Chief Inspector Paul Betts said: "Chris was a proactive, hard-working officer who was a credit to the service and the communities of Sandwell. He will be sadly missed by all that knew him and our thoughts and condolences go out to his close friends and family at this difficult time."