Family pays tribute to 'much loved' police officer who died after crash with van in West Lancashire

The family of a Merseyside Police Inspector who died following a collision with a van in Altcar have paid tribute to him.
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A Ford Transit Tipper was travelling on Causeway Lane when it was involved in a collision with a cyclist - who is believed to have been travelling in the opposite direction - at around 8.10pm on Tuesday, June 2.

Emergency services attended the scene but the cyclist, who has since been named as 51-year-old Graeme Rooney, died a short time later at Aintree Hospital.

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The road was closed until around 1.30am while investigators attended the scene.

His family, who are now being supported by specially-trained officers, have said: "Graeme was much loved by his wife and children, extended family friends and colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all.

"Graeme was a well-respected Merseyside Police Inspector who served the community for 27 years.

"The family would appreciate privacy at this difficult time."

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Police are continuing to appealing for information about the collision and are asking anybody with information to get in touch with them as soon as possible.

Graeme Rooney (pictured) was "much loved by his wife and children, extended family friends and colleagues." (Credit: Lancashire Police)Graeme Rooney (pictured) was "much loved by his wife and children, extended family friends and colleagues." (Credit: Lancashire Police)
Graeme Rooney (pictured) was "much loved by his wife and children, extended family friends and colleagues." (Credit: Lancashire Police)

Sgt Steve Hardman, of the Lancashire Police Tac Ops team, said: "We would like to send our deepest condolences to Graeme’s family and friends.

"We would continue to appeal for anyone who witnessed the collision and has not yet spoken to police to get in touch.

"Similarly, if you have dashcam footage showing the collision, or if you saw either the van or the bike involved in the moments before it happened, please get in touch."

Anybody with information is being urged to contact police by calling 101, quoting log number 1405 of June 2.