A TOP police negotiator who safely defused dozens of dangerous incidents across North Yorkshire has died at the age of 49.

Respected crime fighter Steve Barlow cracked a number of significant cases in an impressive, diverse police career spanning more than 30 years.

Friends and colleagues today paid tribute to his commitment to the force and dedication to his wife and children.

Mr Barlow, from Scarborough, died of cancer of the bowel and liver, after battling with the disease for more than two years.

More than 400 mourners packed into his funeral service at Westborough Methodist Church, in Scarborough, to pay their respects.

As head of York CID, Mr Barlow took the lead in catching the brutal killers of Mick Brolly, who was chased through the city streets by a gang and kicked and punched on the ground, in Low Ousegate.

He was also rated as one of North Yorkshire's top police negotiators, and is particularly remembered for his role in the 12-hour stand-off at the flat of Shaun Hudson in The Groves. Mr Barlow persuaded Hudson to give himself up after he had barricaded himself into the property with what he claimed to be a hand grenade.

He also worked with Interpol at New Scotland Yard between 1987 and 1989, and was involved in investigating the Lockerbie disaster.

Mr Barlow joined the police force as a cadet working in Bridlington in 1972, before serving in CID in Scarborough and Filey.

He later became a detective inspector in Malton during the early 1990s, before being appointed crime commander for the central area and head of York CID.

Chief Inspector Andy Bell, of York police, a close friend and colleague of Mr Barlow's for many years, paid tribute today.

"Steve was very committed and always gave 100 per cent," he said. "He thought the world of his wife and children and was a great friend. He will be sadly missed."

Former chief superintendent John Lacy, who was Mr Barlow's boss during his time as York's police commander, said he was the "negotiator of choice" in the county because of his way with people.

"Steve had two passions in his life - the police service and his family. He was a true professional and, personally, I believe he was the best all round superintendent I ever worked with."

Mr Barlow, whose hobbies included sea angling and motorbikes, leaves behind a widow, Diane, and two children, Tony and Lisa.

Updated: 10:07 Friday, February 25, 2005