A POPULAR police officer is seriously ill in hospital after suffering a brain aneurysm and collapsing while on duty.

Today, the parents of PC Cate Sutcliffe, spoke of their anguish - and thanked the Ribble Valley community for rallying round them.

PC Sutcliffe, 34, called for an ambulance after becoming unwell while on duty near Clitheroe.

She was initially taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary, but later transferred to the Royal Preston Hospital, where she remains in intensive care.

Specialists diagnosed that an artery on her brain had burst and since being admitted she has undergone several operations.

Her parents are Clitheroe Town Council and Ribble Valley Council Lib Dem councillors Stephen and Margaret Sutcliffe.

Mr Sutcliffe said: "The doctors have told us they have tied off the problem artery, but there is still blood which needs to be drained.

"They are optimistic about how things will go, but it is very serious. Cate is talking again and is moving about but we still can't believe it has happened.

"There is a long way to go yet."

Mr Sutcliffe added: "We cannot thank people enough for the support we have received since this happened.

"We have had dozens of phone calls, cards and e-mails wishing Cate all the best and it really does mean a lot to us.

"It has been a terrible time but hopefully Cate is now on the mend."

Colleagues described PC Sutcliffe - who lives in Waddington and has a boyfriend, Jonathan Grace - as a popular officer who liked being involved with the community.

She is based at Whalley and takes part in the Pickwick Night celebrations - an annual Dickensian event - in the village.

Inspector Bob Ford, of Clitheroe Police, said: "Cate was taken ill while on duty on August 8 and immediately taken to hospital.

"It quickly became obvious she is very poorly and our thoughts and best wishes go to her and her family. It has shocked us and we are offering our support to her family."

Brain aneurysms affect around one in 10,000 people and are caused when the weakening of an artery leads to a blister forming on its wall, causing a burst.