A policeman and Falklands War veteran is believed to have committed suicide after being found dead at his home.

If an inquest confirms that Pc Michael Harbert, who was based at Cowley, took his own life, he will be the fourth Thames Valley Police officer to do so in 16 months.

Pc Harbert, 44, known as Mick, was among soldiers welcomed home from the Falklands in 1982 by Prince Charles at RAF Brize Norton. The father-of-three served with 2 Parachute Regiment and was pictured by the Oxford Mail with his mother, Elizabeth, and wife, Susan.

Police colleagues confirmed last night that his body was found in an outbuilding at his East Hendred home on Tuesday night. An inquest has been opened and adjourned.

Supt David McWhirter, police area commander for Oxford, said: "There are no suspicious circumstances. Pc Harbert served with Thames Valley Police for 11 years. Our thoughts are with his family and colleagues."

In February last year, Det Con Tim Joynes, 30, based at High Wycombe, shot himself in the head.

In June, Pc Nick Dale, 31, based at Aylesbury, was found hanged and a month later, Pc Vince Ragan, 40, of Brize Norton, jumped to his death from the multi-storey car park near Templars Square shopping centre, Cowley. He had been suffering from depression.

Pc Harbert's death has shocked villagers in East Hendred. The community has been hit by the deaths of millionaire businessman David McDowell, killed in a road accident last week, and geologist Prof Robert Shackleton. Both funerals took place yesterday.

Parish council chairman Dr John Sharp said: "This hasn't been a good week."