HAMPSHIRE Constabulary have named the police officer who died following a collision on Thomas Lewis Way in Southampton.

PC Steve Rawson, 40, based at Fareham, was on duty and riding an unmarked police motorcycle when he was in collision 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.

PC Rawson was married with two children, aged four and seven months. He had a brother who was also a police officer, formerly with Hampshire but now working for the Met in London.

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.

Thomas Lewis Way was closed while collision investigators examined the scene.

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

Chief Constable Andy Marsh, said: “PC Rawson was a totally dedicated officer and larger than life character who always made a positive contribution to his team and to the force.

"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.

"The response from the public has been overwhelming. We have had messages of condolence from across the country and from other organisations and we thank everybody for their support."

The Independent Police Complaints Commission has been informed about the death as a matter of routine but has said it is happy for Hampshire police to run the investigation.