A cyclist killed in a crash with a van was a well-known Merseyside Police inspector who said he dedicated his working life to improving people's life chances.
Graeme Rooney died after a collision with a Ford Transit Tipper in Altcar on Tuesday.
The 51-year-old, a community policing inspector with the Merseyside force, died at Aintree hospital a short time after the crash at around 8.10pm on Causeway Lane.
Tributes were today paid to Inspector Rooney, who was based in north Liverpool and whose duties involved policing Liverpool and Everton football matches.
In a statement released through Lancashire Police, who dealt with the tragic incident, his family said: “Graeme was much loved by his wife and children, extended family friends and colleagues. He will be sadly missed by all.
“Graeme was a well-respected Merseyside Police Inspector who served the community for 27 years.
"The family would appreciate privacy at this difficult time.”
Describing himself on his LinkedIn page, Inspector Rooney stated his commitment to improving people's lives by working together with others.
He wrote: "I have a passion for partnership working, no one organisation will change the life chances for communities on their own, but we may just have a chance if we work together."
He is understood to have been a dedicated cyclist, and a number of cycling water bottles have been left near the scene of the crash by well-wishers.
Sgt Steve Hardman, of the Lancashire Police Tactical Ops team, said: “We would like to send our deepest condolences to Graeme’s family and friends.
“We would continue to appeal for anyone who witnessed the collision and has not yet spoken to police to get in touch.
"Similarly, if you have dashcam footage showing the collision, or if you saw either the van or the bike involved in the moments before it happened, please get in touch.”
Anybody with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting log number 1405 of Tuesday, June 2.
