TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Cheshire Police officer killed in a motorbike crash.

Russell Thomas, 60, has been described as ‘an extraordinary son, amazing husband, incredible dad and proud grandad’ in a loving tribute by his family.

The 60-year-old from Macclesfield, was the motorcyclist involved in a collision with a black Land Rover Freelander.

The incident occurred on Pexhill Road at around 4.30pm on Tuesday, May 17.

Sadly, Russell died at the scene and his family are being supported by specialist officers.

Paying tribute, wife Sara said: “He just liked to help people. He was the most generous and kind man I have ever met.

“He has left an enormous hole in our family.

“Russell changed the course of my life.

“Our shared faith brought us together and he lived life to the full with me each and every day.

“He was extremely proud of all of our children and was never short of advice, love, and a helping hand.

“He was a huge DIY enthusiast, always building or improving something at home or wherever his skills were needed.”

Russell’s children Joshua, Naomi, Sophie, and Oliver said: “He was someone who chose to approach life with joy, enthusiasm, faith, and hope.

“He had an abundance of optimism and many plans and dreams for us all.

“He touched people’s hearts with only a few exchanges, unconditional love, and a smile as wide as you could imagine.

“He enriched the lives of those he encountered, could talk forever, and made the world a better place.

“He was an extraordinary son, amazing husband, incredible dad, and proud grandad.”

Russsell lived in Tytherington with wife Sara, working full-time as a security officer at Recipharm.

He served as a police officer in Cheshire for 30 years before he retired, covering Macclesfield, Wilmslow and Congleton.

He came to Macclesfield in 1986.

His parents Ann and Owen owned the Moorhayes House Hotel on Manchester Road in Tytherington.

In a joint tribute, his family said: “His career policing the roads found him in cars and on motorcycles during the years when the Cat and Fiddle Road attracted many road users.

“He was also the neighbourhood policing sergeant in Congleton, and Congleton Sherriff and was hugely active within the town.

“Between them, Russell and Sara have four grown children and two grandchildren - to Russell, family was everything.

“Recently, he celebrated his 60th birthday, having a large party at the Pack Horse Bowling Club at which he was able to meet up with friends, many of whom he hadn’t seen for years.

“He enjoyed spending time with his family and was an active member of Tytherington Family Worship Church.

“Russell was loved by so many and is missed by many more.”

Officers are continuing to appeal to anyone who may have dashcam footage or witnessed the collision to get in touch.

Anyone with any information or dashcam footage in relation to the incident is asked to report it to Cheshire Police via cheshire.police.uk/police-forces/cheshire-constabulary/areas/cheshire/about-us/about-us/provide-more-information-about-an-appeal/ quoting IML 1271223, or call 101.

Information can also be passed on to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or report it via crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously