Published: Wednesday, 28th January, 2009 12:30pm

Tributes to popular PC killed in horror crash

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Tributes have been paid to a popular detective who was killed in a horror car crash last Wednesday.

Forty-year-old Diane Donald from Erskine died following the early morning smash on the M8 west of St James Interchange near Erskine.

Shocked colleagues have paid tribute the popular officer.

Constable Donald joined Strathclyde Police in 2001 and had been a detective officer since 2007.

Saddened Strathclyde Police Chief Constable Stephen House said: 'Diane"s death comes as a shock to everyone who knew her.

'She was a hard-working and highly valued police officer who was very popular among her colleagues both on and off duty and she will be sadly missed.

'Our thoughts are with her family, friends and colleagues at this sad time.'

Miss Donald was killed when her silver Vauxhall Astra is believed to have skidded on ice a few miles south of Bishopton and hit a tree.

The stretch of motorway was closed for several hours following the crash at about 5.45am.

Investigating officers say they want to track down to a male driver, who spoke to personnel from road maintenance firm Amey near the scene of the accident.

Officers want to determine if he witnessed the crash.

Transport Scotland has launched an investigation into the tragedy and officers are asking anyone who can help police with the investigation to contact the Road Policing Department at Greenock on 01475 492624.