A BEXLEY police officer has died in a road accident while off duty.

Simon Merrilees, 30, who lived in Dunton Green, near Sevenoaks, was killed when his Suzuki motorbike was in collision with a Vauxhall Astra car on the A22 in Sussex on June 25.

PC Merrilees joined the Met. Police in 2002 and had spent all his service in Bexley.

He leaves a long-term girlfriend.

Chris Hafford, chief inspector of operations at Bexley, said: “Simon was an enthusiastic and dedicated officer whose life has been cut short in tragic circumstances.

“Simon was not only a colleague but a friend to many of us and all of our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time.

“He will be sorely missed by everyone at Bexley police.”