SAFETY fears have been raised after an 'outstanding and dedicated' police officer was killed in a motorcycle crash.

Cheshire PC Tony Heaton died when his motorcycle left the A556 Chester Road shortly after 6.45pm on Monday.

The 38-year-old dad of two was travelling towards Chester when his red Triumph motorbike failed to negotiate a sweeping bend and left the road.

The westbound side of the carriageway was closed from the Hartford Road junction between 7pm and 9.50pm while officers carried out an investigation.

A spokesman for Cheshire Regional Ambulance Service said: "At 6.50pm we were called to the A556 near its junction with Hartford Road to attend a motorbike accident where a man went into cardiac arrest.

"Paramedics did as much as they could to save him but he was confirmed dead by police."

Police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident and are particularly keen to speak to the occupants of a dark coloured Audi which was travelling in the opposite direction and a small car bearing learner plates travelling ahead of the motorcycle towards Chester.

Davenham parish councillor Lorraine Dunne described the incident as tragic and said it reiterated fears about the road's safety.

She said: "It's a tragic accident but it demonstrates how dangerous that road is and I think it will do nothing to placate parents' fears in relation to the safer routes to school scheme."

PC Heaton's wife Pam and children Jessica and Max, from Winsford, paid tribute to the keen rugby player who joined the force in 1992. In a statement to the Guardian yesterday, Tuesday, they said: "He will be a sadly missed fun loving guy."

Ch Con Peter Fahy said: "Tony Heaton was an outstanding and dedicated officer.

"He was a forthright, committed and engaging officer and our hearts go out to his family at this time of bereavement."

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident should call 01244 614270.

* Click here to post a tribute to PC Tony Heaton.