POLICE colleagues have been asking for prayers and positive thoughts for Dudley's former top cop Chief Superintendent Phil Dolby who has been hospitalised with suspected coronavirus.

Chief Supt Dolby, Dudley's former police chief, told how there had been some "touch and go moments" and he had experienced "some frightening episodes of breathlessness and dizziness" before revealing he had been taken to hospital with an oxygen mask on and tests for COVID19 being carried out at the weekend.

Hundreds of people have sent well wishes to the popular cop on Twitter and today colleagues in the firearms operations unit gave an update on his condition.

Stourbridge News: Chief Supt Phil DolbyChief Supt Phil Dolby

On their @firearmsWMP Twitter page they said Chief Supt Dolby "is currently in an ITU on a ventilator and is being looked after by the amazing @NHSuk. Positive thoughts and prayers for him please #COVID-19."

A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "Following on from a recent Twitter post by Chief Superintendent Phil Dolby where he described being unwell for several days and being taken into hospital, we have been informed today (March 31) that Phil is now on a ventilator in intensive care.

"ACC Chris Johnson remains in continuous contact with Phil’s wife and family who have asked for friends and colleagues to keep Phil in their thoughts and to pray for him."