Collection For Police Officer's Family

An account's been set up for donations for the family of PC Steve Rawson - who died in a crash in Southampton on Wednesday April the 3rd.

It's been created by Hampshire Police Federation - to help support the 40-year-old wife and two children, aged 4 years and 7 months.

The Federation says it has been contacted by officers, staff and public from across the country wishing to give a donation towards Steve's family.

If you want to make a contribution, click here.

PC Rawson was on duty and riding an unmarked police motorcycle when he was in collision with a silver BMW outside the Shell petrol station along Thomas Lewis Way in Southampton shortly after 2pm on Wednesday.

He was taken to Southampton General Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

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.

PC Rawson's colleagues held a minutes silence at 11am on Thursday as a mark of respect.

Hampshire Police say hundreds of tributes and messages of condolence have been posted on their Facebook and Twitter pages.

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."

Detective Superintendent Dick Pearson, head of HMIT, said:

"PC Rawson was an integral member of the Hampshire Major Investigation Team. He was a well respected, larger than life character who was dedicated to his job. He will be deeply missed by his all who knew him."