TRIBUTES have been paid to a 'hugely respected officer' who died in a collision on Tuesday.

PC James 'Dixie' Dixon, who served with the police for 18 years, was one of two fatalities after his motorbike collided with a car.

It is understood that Mr Dixon's wife is expecting the couple's first child.

A 91-year-old woman also died in the accident on A4, Bath Road in Wargrave, shortly before 2pm.

Thousands have so far already been raised to help the families of both victims at this terrible time.

The driver of the vehicle, a woman, was also injured in the incident and has been taken to hospital for treatment.

Her injuries are not thought to be life threatening. 

PC Dixon, known for his role on the popular TV show Road Wars, was on-duty when the accident occurred.

He was based at Loddon Valley police station.

Francis Habgood, chief constable for Thames Valley Police, said: "My officers, staff and I were devastated to hear the very sad news about our colleague PC James Dixon, aged 39 and the 91-year-old woman who died as a result of a road collision yesterday (5/12).

"James was a hugely respected officer, serving with the force for 18 years in a variety of roles including in Local Policing, Roads Policing and Force Intelligence and Specialist Operations.

Reading Chronicle:

"In policing we often talk about the strength and importance of the police family and that is never more so as we share in the pain of loss and offer support to one another at this time of need.

"We have received countless messages of support from other forces and our emergency service partners, demonstrating that our policing and emergency services' family extends far beyond our own borders.

"I also extend our thanks to our communities and other agencies for the many messages of condolences we have received.

"Our thoughts remain with PC Dixon's family and friends, as well as those of the 91-year-old woman, at this very difficult time.

"All our force flags will be flying at half-mast for the next week as a mark of respect."

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police added: "As is standard procedure, due to the fact that the incident resulted in the deaths of a member of the public and an on duty police officer Thames Valley Police has made a mandatory referral to the IPCC who have begun an investigation."