PC killed in road accident is named

A POLICE officer who died after his unmarked motorcycle was in collision with a car was named yesterday.

PC Steve Rawson, 40, was on duty and riding a police motorbike when it was in collision with a silver BMW outside a Shell petrol station on Thomas Lewis Way in Southampton, at 2pm on Wednesday.

The married Hampshire Constabulary officer was taken to Southampton General Hospital but died on arrival.

The BMW driver, a 35-year-old man, sustained serious but not life-threatening injuries and was taken to Southampton General Hospital for treatment.

The flag at force headquarters in Winchester was flying at half-mast yesterday and officers observed a minute’s silence to honour PC Rawson, who was serving with the major investigation team.

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.”

PC Rawson joined Hampshire Constabulary as a police staff controller in March 1996 and worked at the force control room in Netley until 2003.

In the same year, he switched to become a constable, serving at Hedge End, then transferred to the major investigation team in April 2007, contributing to many successful investigations.

Detective Superintendent Dick Pearson, head of the major investigation team, said: “PC Rawson was an integral member of the Hampshire team.”