A Leicestershire police officer has died in a motorbike crash near Melton.

Pc Phil Tomaszewski (48) of Long Clawson, was on his black Yamaha Road Star Warrior motorcycle when it came off the road on Clawson Lane, near Ab Kettleby, Melton, yesterday.

He was taken to the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham with serious injuries and died a short while later. He was off duty at the time.

Leicestershire's temporary Chief Constable Chris Eyre, said: "Pc Tomaszewski was a well respected officer and had served with Leicestershire Constabulary for 25 years. He was currently serving as a local policing officer at Loughborough.

"His death has come as a terrible shock to us all and my thoughts are with his wife and two daughters at this time."

The accident happened around 1.20pm yesterday.

Chief Superintendent Daimon Tilley, North are commander, said: "Phil, known to his friends and colleagues, as Tommo, had been a personal friend and colleague for more than 10 years. I have spoken to a number of his friends and we have all been deeply touched by his sad loss, our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.

"As well as being a committed police officer, Phil had a number of passions, including sailing, climbing and motorcycling. He had been involved in a number of charity events and travelled all over Europe. We have already had a number of tributes from members of the Blue Knights around the world.

"Phil was a lovely man, he always had a smile on his face and had a good sense of humour, which kept friends entertained. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him."

Detectives investigating the collision are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or may have seen the motorcycle prior to the collision taking place to contact them.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Det Con Robert Lapworth on 0116 222 2222.

Leave tributes to Pc Phil Tomaszewski at Lasting Tribute.