TRIBUTES have been paid following the death of an East Lothian police officer on Sunday afternoon.

Constable Rhys Prentice was involved in a fatal road crash on the A7, just north of Galashiels, at about 12.25pm, when his Yamaha R6 motorcycle was involved in a collision with a Peugeot 107.

He was off-duty at the time of the accident.

The 24-year-old's family have issued a statement through Police Scotland.

They said: "We are absolutely devastated at the loss of Rhys – our much loved son, brother, fiancé and friend.

"Rhys was an enthusiastic biker and a dedicated police officer.

"He made us all very proud and words cannot describe how much we will miss him."

The officer had been travelling south when the collision took place; the car involved was travelling in the opposite direction.

Chief Superintendent Lesley Clark, the Lothians and Scottish Borders Divisional Commander, also paid tribute.

She said: “It's a sad day for the Lothians and Scottish Borders Division, with the loss of a young and enthusiastic officer.

"Rhys was stationed in East Lothian and will be sadly missed.

"He was a popular and devoted officer and support is being given to his colleagues.

"Rhys' parents and fiancée were exceptionally proud of his chosen career and our thoughts remain with his family and friends at this tragic time."

Both occupants of the Peugeot sustained serious injuries and were taken to Borders General Hospital, in nearby Melrose, for treatment.

The road was closed in both directions for about eight hours while emergency services attended the scene and carried out a collision investigation.

Sergeant Ross Drummond, from the police's Road Policing Unit in Dalkeith, is investigating the collision and added: "This incident has tragically resulted in death of a young man and a colleague.

"Our inquiries continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding the collision and anyone who was on the road at the time and witnessed what happened is urged to contact police."

Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2195 of July 15.