A senior police officer has died after apparently falling from a cross-Channel ferry on his way to France.

The body of Inspector Neil Munro, 43, a married man with a young son, was found yesterday morning beneath the jetty of a £10 million home in Sandbanks, overlooking Poole Harbour in Dorset. There were unconfirmed reports that he had suffered serious head injuries.

Mr Munro was on the Brittany Ferries 11.45pm sailing. Nobody saw him fall and the boat continued to Cherbourg without stopping.

His body was found by a gardener beside the home of David Russell, chairman of the £100 million Property Alliance Group, and his wife Valerie. Police colleagues were trying to establish whether he jumped or fell.

If he killed himself he would be the third senior police officer to do so in four days.

Martin Baker, Chief Constable of Dorset, led tributes to Mr Munro, who received several commendations during his 20-year career. He said: “He had a huge impact on policing here in Bournemouth and across the force.

“In November, 2006, I personally commended Neil for his professionalism in the field of hostage negotiation. He had previously received a divisional commander’s commendation for his prompt and positive action in dealing with and defusing a potentially dangerous situation at Poole when he was confronted with a man armed with a firearm, a knife and a stick.”

Mr Munro had been the section inspector in command of the north Bournemouth area for two and a half years.

A post-mortem examination is due to take place today to establish the cause of death. An inquest is also due to be opened and adjourned.

Mr Munro’s death follows the apparent suicides of Police Sergeant Richard Fuller, 55, in Calne, Wiltshire, and Michael Todd, 50, the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester.

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