Tributes to police motorcyclist, 40, killed on duty in crash after car failed to stop

TRIBUTES have flooded in to remember a "popular and funny" police motorcyclist who died in a crash in Sheffield.

PC Matt Lannie, 40, was on duty when his bike collided with a blue Toyota Avensis at around 1pm on Tuesday.

South Yorkshire Police confirmed that PC Lannie was pronounced dead shortly after the crash on Nether Lane in the Ecclesfield area of the city.

Steve Kent, chairman of the South Yorkshire Police Federation, said that Lannie was "a friend to many".

He said: "This is heart-breaking news.

"Matt was a very popular, funny officer and a friend to many in South Yorkshire Police."

Chief Constable Stephen Watson said that Lannie was a specialist motorcycle officer with the Roads Policing Unit.

The constable added: "He was a very popular member of the team and he will be greatly missed.

"Dreadful events such as these serve to remind us of the great dangers that police officers confront every day in order to keep us all safe.";

PC Lannie was responding to reports of a silver BMW failing to stop for officers earlier in the day.

The Toyota driver, 59, was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

'DEEPLY TRAGIC'

Responding to the news, Home Secretary Priti Patel tweeted: "The saddest news. Deeply tragic & my thoughts are with the family of this distinguished officer."

Police forces across England also paid tribute to the officer.

Cheshire Police said on Twitter: "All of our thoughts are with the officer's family, friends and colleagues at South Yorkshire Police at this time."

The Metropolitan Police Federation tweeted: "Very sad news as South Yorkshire Police tonight confirm the on duty death of an officer. Our thoughts are with the officers family, friends and colleagues. #PoliceFamily"

Nether Lane remains closed, and police have appealed for witnesses, or anyone who has information about the crash, to contact 101.

People with dashcam or CCTV footage which could help the investigation are asked to email enquiries@southyorks.pnn.police.uk quoting the incident number in the subject line.

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368 . You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.