Tributes flood in after on-duty death of popular colleague
The South Yorkshire Police Federation has led the tributes following the death of popular colleague Police Constable Matt Lannie while on duty.
PC Lannie, 40, was on a police motorcycle when he was in a collision with a blue Toyota Avensis in the Ecclesfield area of Sheffield at around 1pm yesterday afternoon (April 21).
The South Yorkshire Police officer, who had been responding to reports of a silver BMW failing to stop for officers, was pronounced dead a short time after the collision.
“This is heartbreaking news,” said Steve Kent, chair of the South Yorkshire Police Federation.
“Matt was a very popular, funny officer and a friend to many in South Yorkshire Police. He loved his job in the roads policing group. He will be very sadly missed.”
South Yorkshire Police said investigations into the collision were ongoing.
Mr Kent added: “The force and the everyone at South Yorkshire Police Federation will do our very best to support his partner, family, friends and close colleagues at this extremely difficult time. We ask that their privacy is respected.”
Home Secretary Priti Patel tweeted: “The saddest news. Deeply tragic and my thoughts are with the family of this distinguished officer.”
Flags at police stations across the county have been lowered to half-mast in honour of the fallen officer.
