THE family of a policeman who was killed when his motorbike collided with a bus have paid tribute to him.

PC Mark Murtagh, who was based at Galashiels Police Station, was travelling to work at around 7am on Friday when he was involved in the accident on the A6105 near Earlston, in the Scottish Borders.

His family said: "Mark was a caring and loving husband, a devoted father and will be greatly missed."

Chief Superintendent Gillian Imery, divisional commander of Police Scotland's Lothian and Borders Division, added: "Our sympathies are with his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time."

Police have appealed for anyone who saw the crash to come forward.