The family of tragic police motorcyclist Ian Walker today spoke for the first time about his joy with his bride-to-be and in his new job in Bradford.

And the loved ones of the 51-year-old Bradford North roads policing officer revealed he had a part-time acting career, playing regular parts in Emmerdale, Coronation Street and A Touch of Frost.

PC Walker died after his motorcycle was involved in a collision with a Nissan Almera car as he rode to work at 6.40am on Wednesday.

The officer was flung from his machine and pronounced dead at the scene, in Bolton Road, Bradford.

Today a statement was issued on behalf of his fiancee, Sarah, and his family - which includes his parents, brother and two children - which said he faced all aspects of his life with "boundless energy and enthusiasm" and described him as a "deeply passionate man, particularly when he was faced with injustice or cruelty."

It said he had owned a motorbike since his days as a paper boy and he was acknowledged as a safe and competent rider. He had ridden the length and breadth of Europe on his bike and had plans to travel through the Americas in retirement.

The statement went on: "His family were his life and they are a very close knit unit, living a short distance apart and sharing as much time as possible together.

"Ian always endeavoured to be the best he could possibly be in all things, but especially as a dad and step-dad, for which he was truly and deeply loved.

"He had so many friends who knew him to be fiercely loyal to them and the first to help with any problems they may have had.

"The pinnacle of Ian's career was his recent acceptance into the traffic department at Bradford North division. Here he was the happiest he had ever been in his long police career and he was so looking forward to commencing his Road Traffic driving course on Monday."

His family said that aside of his dedication to police work over 28 years, Ian had made regular appearances as an extra in Emmerdale and Coronation Street and spoke with pride about being in every series of Frost.

The statement added: "Nobody of 50 gets through life without a few ups and downs, but Ian had found true love and complete happiness with his fiancee, Sarah, who he had been together with for four years and was due to marry in May next year.

"All his family, friends and colleagues are completely devastated to have lost him."

  • A 20-year-old man has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and was due to appear before Bradford Magistrates tomorrow. Two other men arrested in connection with the incident have been released without charge.