A dedicated police officer "who always had a smile on his face" has been killed while riding his beloved motorcycle in the countryside.

Pc Phil Tomaszewski died in Clawson Lane, north of Ab Kettleby, near Melton, on Thursday.

The married father-of-two, who had been a police officer for 25 years, was riding his black Yamaha Road Star Warrior motorcycle. He was not on duty at the time.

Police said no other vehicle was involved in the accident.

Friends and colleagues paid tribute to the 48-year-old, who was known as "Tommo" and who worked as a general duties officer at Loughborough police station.

Members of the Blue Knights England VIII Law Enforcement Motorcycle club, a team of police motorcyclists which raises money for charity, led the tributes last night.

Doug Marshall, of Leicestershire police, who is president of the Blue Knights, said: "Tommo was one of our founding members and was a friend, colleague and riding partner.

"He was involved in a lot of the charity work that we did and regularly attended other Blue Knights events throughout the UK and Europe, where he became friends with many fellow 'Knights'.

"I rode with him to Scotland, Ireland and Croatia and will remember him as the extrovert that he was. He would regularly lead rides to the Derbyshire Peak District and the Lake District with many of us in tow.

"His wife, Janet, also accompanied him on some of the ride-outs that he did and she also became a friend of our chapter and our thoughts and prayers are with her at this time.

"Tommo will be greatly missed and mourned by us all not only at England VIII but throughout Europe, as is borne out by the number of e-mails I have had from Blue Knights throughout the world.

"The world is a much sadder place now."

Chief Superintendent Daimon Tilley, the commander of police's north area, which includes Loughborough, said: "Phil has been a personal friend and colleague for more than 10 years.

"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.

"I have spoken to a number of his friends and we have all been deeply touched by his sad loss."

Leicestershire's temporary chief constable Chris Eyre said: "His death has come as a terrible shock to us all and my thoughts are with his wife and two daughters at this time."

Detectives are piecing together events which led to Pc Tomaszewski's death.

Officers yesterday urged anyone who saw the accident, or events leading to it to contact them – contact DcRobert Lapworth on 0116 222 2222.

To leave a message of condolence to Pc Tomaszewski at Lasting Tribute