TRIBUTES are being paid to the Gwent police sergeant who died after a crash between his bicycle and a car.

Sergeant Steve Burt, 53, from New Inn, is being described as a loving father and husband and an excellent officer.

Sgt Burt's family paid tribute to him. He is survived by his wife Debra, two 25-year-old daughters Sian and Louise and a 22-year-old son Jonathan.

"Steve was a loving husband and father who always put his family first,” a statement from the family said.

“He made us laugh, he made us cry but most of all he made us feel loved and special. He will be remembered and missed by us all."

Gwent Police said Sgt Burt had served with the force for 27 years. He received his long service and good conduct medals in 2005.

Chief constable Carmel Napier said Sgt Burt was a very well respected officer “with an excellent, long standing, record of service.”

She said: “He will be very sadly missed by his friends and colleagues who remember Steve as a gentleman and true professional who always made a positive contribution to the force.

“Of course our thoughts remain with Steve's loved ones, especially his wife and children at this tragic time.”

Sgt Burt was cycling towards Pontypool on the A4042 at 10.50pm on Thursday near Llanover when he was in collision with a blue Volkswagen car.

The car, driven by a 77-year-old man from Crickhowell, was travelling the opposite direction at the time of the crash.

Sgt Burt, who was out riding with a group of friends, was later pronounced dead at Abergavenny's Nevill Hall Hospital. No one else was injured in the incident.