Motorcylist died after collision with liveried PSNI car at Maydown, Londonderry

Police said an investigation is under way into the crash in the vicinity of Maydown Police Station on Wednesday afternoon.

Inspector Cherith Adair, from the PSNI's Collision Investigation Unit, said their thoughts are with the family of the motorcyclist who died.

"A report was received shortly after 1pm of a collision involving a police vehicle driven by a contracted member of police staff and a motorcycle in the vicinity of Maydown Police Station," she said.

Police and paramedics attended the scene. Following an assessment and initial treatment, the motorcyclist was taken by Air Ambulance to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast where he passed away.

"Our thoughts are with the family at this time and an investigation to establish the circumstances is now under way."

He was in his sixties but police have not released his name at the request of his family.

She called for anyone with information or who has video footage of the collision to speak to officers.

The PSNI told the News Letter that the matter has not been referred to the Police Ombudsman as it involved "police staff and not an officer".

The driver of the liveried PSNI car was a contracted member of staff, so someone who has been contracted by an outside agency, but not a civilian staff member. The car was not in emergency blue lights mode at the time of the collision.

Foyle SDLP MLA Marh H Durkan said on social media that it was “tragic news” that the gentleman who was injured had passed away.

He added: “The thoughts and prayers of the whole community are with his family,friends and all affected by this awful tragedy.”

At least three people responded that they had known the man who died for many years, describing him as “a gentleman”.