Tributes paid as police officer who died in Sheffield motorcycle collision is named

Pc Matt Lannie died yesterday (Tuesday) after the motorbike he was riding whilst pursuing another vehicle was involved in a collision.

The crash, which occurred on Nether Lane in the Eccleshill area of Sheffield, also resulted in a 64-year-old man being taken to hospital, although his injuries were described as minor.

Tributes were paid to 40-year-old Pc Lannie today, with the force's chief constable saying the collision was testament to the dangers faced by emergency services in their line of duty.

Chief Constable Stephen Watson QPM said: “It is with great sadness that we today pay tribute to serving officer, PC Matt Lannie, who died in the line of duty.

"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.

“Matt was a specialist motorcycle officer in our roads policing unit and prior to this was a response officer at Sheffield. He was a very popular member of the team and he will be greatly missed.

“The South Yorkshire police family is doing everything we can to provide support and comfort to Matt’s loved ones and his colleagues at what is a very difficult time.

“Matt’s family has asked for privacy and we ask their wishes are respected in order to allow them the time and space they so richly deserve.”