PC's death: Force 'is in shock'

Tributes today from Assistant Chief Constable Nigel Hindle and John Apter, Chairman of Hampshire Police Federation.

PC Steve Rawson who was 40, and based in Fareham, was on duty and riding an unmarked police bike when he was ijn collision with a silver BMW in Southampton.

PC Steve Rawson joined Hampshire Police as a staff controller in March 1996, the force said, and worked at the Netley control room until 2003.

He became a PC on March 3, 2003, serving at Hedge End for four years, undertaking several different roles as a uniform officer.

He then transferred to Hampshire's Major Investigation Team (HMIT) in April 2007, where "he was a valued member of the team contributing to multiple successful investigations".

Hampshire Police have confirmed the name of the police officer who died following a crash in Swaythling, yesterday.

PC Steve Rawson, 40, based at Fareham, was on duty and riding an unmarked police motorcycle when he collided with a silver BMW outside the Shell petrol station, shortly after 2pm.

He was taken to Southampton General Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The 35-year-old driver of the BMW sustained serious but not life-threatening injuries and was also taken to the hospital for treatment.

The flag at Hampshire Headquarters, Winchester, is flying at half mast and officers will be holding a minutes silence at 11am today as a mark of respect.

"A sad day for the policing family" one of the sentiments expressed as tributes continue to be pour in for an officer who died after a road traffic accident in Southampton.

The on duty officer, who has not been named, was riding an unmarked police motorcycle involved in a collision with a silver BMW yesterday afternoon.

Tributes are continuing to be paid to a police officer who died following a road traffic accident in Southampton. The on duty offficer was riding an unmarked police motorcycle which was involved in a collision with a silver BMW on Thomas Lewis Way yesterday afternoon.

John Apter, the chairman of Hampshire Police Federation, said: "Today is a sad day for the policing family. The loss of a colleague has shocked and saddened us all. Hampshire Police Federation will offer whatever support is required for the officer's family and colleagues during this difficult time.

"Hampshire Police Federation will offer whatever support is required for the officer's family and colleagues during this difficult time."

Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire, Simon Hayes said: "This is a very sad day for Hampshire Constabulary and a tragic loss of a police officer in the course of his duty.

"This tragic incident highlights the fact that police officers regularly put themselves at risk in performing their duty and in protecting the public. Our thoughts and sympathy go to his family and colleagues at this very difficult time."

Chief Const. Andy Marsh reacted to the death of one of his officers in a road crash.: “This is an immensely sad day for the constabulary, and the force will be deeply affected. We are supporting the officer’s family, in every way we can, and our thoughts remain very much with them at this time."

Hampshire Police have confirmed that a police officer has died following a road traffic collision in Thomas Lewis Way, Swaythling. The police officer was on duty and riding an unmarked police motorcycle when he was in collision with a silver BMW outside the Shell petrol station at around 2pm.

He was taken to Southampton General Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. His immediate next of kin and colleagues have been informed. The driver of the BMW, a 35-year-old man, sustained serious, but not life-threatening injuries. He was taken to Southampton General Hospital for treatment.

Chief Constable Andy Marsh said: “This is an immensely sad day for the constabulary and the force will be deeply affected".

Hampshire Police have confirmed that a police officer has died following a road traffic collision in Thomas Lewis Way, Swaythling.