AN investigation has been launched into the death of a popular GP who has died suddenly leaving a community stunned.

Colleagues and patients along with the family of Dr Peter Smith, who worked at Fareham Centre Practice, are struggling to come to terms with his unexpected death.

The father, who lived in the Fareham area, was only 46.

The practice, in Osborn Road, which said staff were "devastated" by what had happened, was unwilling to disclose the circumstances of Dr Smith's death but said he had died at home.

Portsmouth and South East Hampshire coroner's office said an inquest had not yet been opened and investigation was still ongoing to establish if an inquest would be opened.

Since news of his death broke patients have been responding to the news.

Colleague and friend Dr Dean Hatfull said: "He will be greatly missed both by his patients and by his colleagues.

"We have been very touched by the outpouring of affection and respect from Peter’s patients.

"They tell us how caring he was and much they respected his clinical abilities and communication skills.

"We are all devastated by his loss.”

Dr Smith joined the practice in Osborn Road, Fareham, in 1997 and had a special interest in paediatrics.

He grew up in Cardiff then attended medical school in Southampton.

He trained as a GP in the New Forest before joining the practice where he was one of seven doctors.

The former Treasurer of Fareham Medical Society leaves family in Cardiff, Bristol and in the Fareham area.

Staff have organised a book of condolence at the surgery and will hold a remembrance event for any patients who would like to pay their respects in the first week of June, the week after the funeral.

Details of the funeral have not yet been disclosed.

Practice manager Barbara Maw added: “We have had an outpouring of emotion from patients which is helpful to us to know at least how he was loved.”

Dr Smith's family declined to talk to the Daily Echo.