A POLICE officer has died after his unmarked motorcycle was in a collision with a BMW in Southampton.
The accident occured yesterday around 2pm outside the Shell garage on Thomas Lewis Way in Swaythling. The officer's motorcycle collided with a BMW which was leaving a Shell petrol station. The driver of the BMW, a 35-year old man, sustained serious but not life-threatening injuries and was taken to Southampton General Hospital for treatment.
PC Steve Rawson, 40, was on-duty but not involved in a pursuit or responding to a 999 call, Hampshire Constabulary said. He was taken to Southampton General Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
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."
