PC James Dixon: Theresa May leads tributes to Road Wars police officer killed in crash

Tributes have been paid in Parliament to a police officer who died in a crash with a car while on duty in Berkshire.

PC James Dixon was on his motorbike when he was involved in a collision on Bath Road, Wargrave, at around 1.50am on Tuesday morning.

A 91-year-old female passenger of the car also died, while the vehicle’s driver went to hospital with injuries which were not thought to be life threatening.

PC Dixon was known for his part in Sky One’s Road Wars, which followed officers from Thames Valley in their work around the region.

Opening Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Theresa May said: "I’m sure the whole house will wish to join me in offering condolences to the friends, family and colleagues of police officer James Dixon from Thames Valley Police who was killed while on motorcycle duty yesterday and also to the family and friends of the passenger of the car involved in the collision."

PC Dixon married his wife Samantha in February last year. She is reported to be expecting their first child next year.

In a statement, Thames Valley Police it was "devastated" over the death of PC Dixon.

It added: "Thank you to the community, partner agencies and the police family for all of the messages of support and condolences we have received.

"Our thoughts remain with PC Dixon’s family and friends, as well as those of the 91-year-old woman who also died in the collision, at this very difficult time.

"As is standard procedure, due to the fact that the incident resulted in the deaths of a member of the public and an on duty police officer Thames Valley Police has made a mandatory referral to the IPCC who have begun an investigation."

Thames Valley Police chief constable Francis Hapgood said the force would fly its flags at half-mast as a mark of respect.

He added: "James was a hugely respected officer, serving with the force for 18 years in a variety of roles including in local policing, roads policing and force intelligence and specialist operations.

"In policing we often talk about the strength and importance of the police family and that is never more so as we share in the pain of loss and offer support to one another at this time of need.

"We have received countless messages of support from other forces and our emergency service partners, demonstrating that our policing and emergency services’ family extends far beyond our own borders."

A JustGiving page set up by Police Hour has already raised more than £1,300, to be split between two families and help with expenses in the run-up to Christmas.

(c) Sky News 2017: PC James Dixon: Theresa May leads tributes to Road Wars police officer killed in crash