Police officer killed in crash named as PC Steve Rawson
A police officer killed in a crash while riding an unmarked motorbike has been named as PC Steve Rawson.
The 40-year-old, who was based in Fareham, was in collision with a BMW outside the Shell garage in Thomas Lewis Way in Southampton on Wednesday.
The flag at Hampshire police HQ in Winchester is flying at half mast and officers will be holding a one-minute silence at 11:00 BST.
The BMW driver suffered serious but not life-threatening injuries.
PC Rawson was on duty at the time of the crash, but was not involved in a pursuit or responding to a 999 call, Hampshire Constabulary said.
He was taken to Southampton General Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
He joined the service as a police staff controller in 1996 and worked at the force control room in Netley until 2003 when he became a PC serving at Hedge End.
'Larger than life'
In 2007, he transferred as a PC to join the Hampshire Major Investigation Team (HMIT) where he contributed to multiple successful investigations, police said.
Det Supt Dick Pearson, head of HMIT, said: "PC Rawson was an integral member of the HMIT team.
"He was a well respected, larger than life character who was dedicated to his job. He will be deeply missed by his all who knew him."
Chief Constable Andy Marsh added: "His death is a massive blow to the constabulary and his loss will be felt throughout the organisation.
"We are supporting his wife and family and our thoughts are with them at this devastating time. He will be missed by all who knew him."
John Apter, chairman of Hampshire Police Federation, said: "The loss of our 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."
Thomas Lewis Way was closed for more than six hours while collision investigators examined the scene.