Home Secretary Priti Patel pays tribute to South Yorkshire Police motorcyclist tragically killed while on duty

Home secretary Priti Patel today paid tribute to the South Yorkshire Police officer killed during a pursuit of a car in Sheffield.
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Priti Patel was speaking during the afternoon coronavirus briefing where she said the UK death toll of people with covid-19 had passed 20,000.

The Home Secretary said the entire nation was grieving as the UK passed another significant milestone.

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She paid tribute to frontline workers whose exceptional public service and sacrifice, she said will not be forgotten.

Pc Matt Lannie.Pc Matt Lannie.
Pc Matt Lannie.

Police motorcyclist PC Matt Lannie, aged 40, died when his bike was involved in a collision with a Toyota Avensis on Nether Lane, Ecclesfield, on Tuesday afternoon.

The Home Secretary said: “I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the South Yorkshire police motorcyclist who was tragically killed as he responded to an emergency incident earlier this week my thoughts and prayers are with his family friends and colleagues at this truly heartbreaking time.

“His death shows how our exceptional police put their own lives at risk every day to protect the people that they serve.

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“Coronavirus merely highlights the extent of their courage their compassion and their commitment. Police officers and staff need to put themselves at risk to make sure people follow the life saving instruction to stay at home.”

An investigation into the collision is under way – PC Lannie was on-duty at the time and responding to reports of a silver BMW failing to stop for officers.

She added that sophisticated criminals were capitalising on the pandemic.

Lynne Owens, the director-general of the National Crime Agency said serious and organised criminals are looking to take advantage they are “amoral, corrupt and exploitative”, she says.

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Offenders are trying to avoid lockdown rules to continue illicit activities.

More than 2,000 scams relating to coronavirus have been taken down online, including fake shops, phishing scams, and the selling of fake testing kits and PPE.

Fraudsters have targeted members of the public by phone, text and email with scams relating to fake prescription drugs.

She urged the public to exercise caution and report anything suspicious to their bank and to Action Fraud.