PC Christopher Hart, 40, was responding to a call when his vehicle collided with a Volkswagen Polo.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said the officer was thrown partially through the driver's side window before the van fell on top of him and came to rest against a set of traffic lights.

Despite frantic efforts to free him, the officer, who leaves a six-year-old son, was pronounced dead at the scene from horrific head injuries.

The collision happened at a busy junction in Openshaw, Greater Manchester.

PC Hart's boss, Bury divisional commander Chief Superintendent Jon Rush, paid tribute to him: "He will be greatly missed. I had only known him a relatively short time but officers who worked with him described him as enthusiastic, passionate and a man who wanted to serve the community. His family will be absolutely devastated.

"He has a young son who has to go through life without his father to support and guide him. The officers he worked with are absolutely devastated. His shift were unable to carry on after it happened and they were allowed to go home."

An investigation has been launched into the crash which left PC Hart's male passenger, a colleague, in hospital with minor injuries.

Three people in the VW Polo were also treated for minor injuries.

Greater Manchester Police could not confirm if PC Hart, a policeman for four years, was responding to a 999 call or if the van's flashing blue lights were on.