Richard Phillips-Schofield death 'devastating', police officer's family says
The family of a police officer who died after a cycle race accident have spoken of their "devastating loss".
Richard Phillips-Schofield, 33, crashed at the Mountbatten Centre velodrome in Portsmouth on Sunday, suffering head and chest injuries. He died on Tuesday.
His parents, brother and girlfriend said in a statement they would "always be extremely proud" of him.
PC Phillips-Schofield was a response officer for Hampshire Constabulary, serving Bitterne in Southampton.
In the statement, his family also said they had been "overwhelmed by the love and support shown by Richard's friends, colleagues, community and fellow cyclists who have been making contact".
The statement added: "We were and always will be extremely proud of Rich, of what he achieved in his career and all of his personal and sporting achievements.
"He was a naturally gifted sportsman, and his great passion in life was for cycling, at which he was exceptional.
"Even more, we were proud of the man that he was."
PC Phillips-Schofield served the full 10 years of his career in Southampton.
A book of condolence has been set up on the Hampshire Constabulary website.
The force lowered its flags to half-mast on Tuesday at Winchester headquarters and at Netley.