A police hero from York who was injured in a collision with a car as he cycled on the outskirts of the city died after having to be readmitted to hospital.

PC Kevin Green, 39, of Clifton, was treated in York District Hospital after the crash, at the Millfield Lane roundabout on the A1237 outer ring road two weeks ago.

He was later allowed home, but he died in Leeds General Infirmary on Wednesday after his condition deteriorated.

Superintendent John Lacy, York's operations commander, paid tribute to PC Green, who was stationed at Tadcaster.

He said: "This is a sad and tragic loss of an officer who had a bright future ahead of him.

"He had recently been working in York as an acting Sergeant and was considered to be on the verge of promotion.

"He was a well respected rural officer and our thoughts go out to his family, friends and colleagues."

PC Green was married to Carol, who works at BBC Radio York, and had a son, Ashley, 12.

Barrie Stephenson, managing editor at Radio York, said: "Our thoughts are with Carol and we are doing everything we can to support her in this very sad time."

PC Green was presented with a divisional commander's commendation for bravery in July last year.

The award was made after he and colleague Steve Goodman - the brother of Glenn Goodman, the special constable shot dead by IRA terrorist Paul Magee on the A64 near Tadcaster in 1992 - tackled a man armed with two ten-inch carving knives who threatened to kill the officers after a row with his wife at his home in Tadcaster.

The award was presented at the Guildhall, in York, by Lord Mayor of York, Coun Shan Braund with North Yorkshire Police area commander Supt Gary Barnett.

An inquest was expected to be opened and adjourned in York today.

Updated: 14:35 Friday, May 25, 2001