An investigation was launched this week after a woman police officer from Borehamwood was found to have died from a gunshot wound at a police headquarters.

The body of PC Amy Adams, 32, from Malden Road, was discovered in the boiler room of the Territorial Policing Headquarters in Victoria Embankment, London, at 11.50pm on Sunday.

She had a single gunshot wound to her head and Scotland Yard suspect that she shot herself with her police pistol. Two handwritten notes were found nearby.

PC Adams, whose full name was Amoreena, suffered from depression and had been affected by the recent deaths of her father, brother, aunt and uncle in a car crash. She had been on sick leave for several months, and had only just been given back her firearms licence.

She worked for the Met Police's elite royalty and diplomatic protection group, and had been with the force for ten years, having started her career in Barnet in 1994.

PC Adams's mother, Jacqueline, said: "Amy was a loving daughter who was dear to us and was incredibly committed to the police service. She will be sadly missed. We are struggling to come to terms with this tragedy."

One neighbour in Malden Road added: "We were absolutely astounded when we found out. She seemed like such a nice girl, very quiet and unassuming."

Colleagues paid tribute to her. Commander Peter Loughborough, PC Adams's superior officer, said he had been deeply distressed' by the incident.

"The death of a colleague in such circumstances affects us all, but our thoughts must go particularly to Amy's family, to those who knew her best, and to those for whom the bonds of affection were most strong. We will do all we can to support them," he said.

Police are investigating why Amy was posted to the armoury when she was known to suffer from depression. Counselling is being offered to colleagues.

An inquest into the death will be held.