Police officer son in a road accident at the weekend -- his second son to die tragically in just four years.

Deputy Fire Chief Vincent Hollinsid described his eldest son Robin as a dear friend and a son anybody would have been proud to call their own.

He said he and his wife Karen had been left in a state of shock since hearing that their 31-year-old son, who was a detective in the Narcotics Unit, was killed in a road crash in Devonshire in the early hours of Saturday.

The driver of the other vehicle involved in the crash has been arrested on suspicion of impaired driving.

He was Mr. and Mrs. Hollinsid's only remaining child after their younger son Ramon died suddenly outside a relative's home in May, 1996. He was only 22 at the time.

Mr. Hollinsid said last night that Robin had been a friend to him.

And he said he would leave a gap in their lives that would never be filled.

The distraught father said: "He was a very aggressive, forward-thinking, good son. He loved to have a lot of fun, but was very sincere and serious about his job and his family.

"He had a great relationship with all the family, and he loved his young son, Rakeem, who is six. I know he is going to miss his father a lot.

"It has been a huge shock -- we are devastated, but everyone, especially the family and the Police, have been very supportive. We are thankful for that.

Robin did have a brother Ramon, but he died a few years ago. There was only the two of them and we have lost them both.

Colleagues pay tribute to detective very healthy individual. It is hard to take it in.'' Police Commissioner Jean-Jacques Lemay last night paid tribute to the officer, who had been in the force for 13 years and who he described as "dedicated and hard working''.

But he also urged vital witnesses to come forward.

Mr. Lemay and Commissioner-Designate Jonathan Smith attended the hospital to meet with the family at the weekend and to extend their condolences on behalf of the entire Police Service.

Last night Mr. Lemay said the death of the rugby and soccer player, who was known as Seeds, would have a lasting effect on the Police, and he called on officers to rally around one another with support.

And he said his death had shocked and saddened not only his family and colleagues in the service, but members of the community and the sports fraternity.

Mr. Lemay said: "Robin will be very much missed. He was a hard working and dedicated officer and anyone who came into contact with him knew he was dedicated to the Police service, the community and Bermuda.

"When something like this happens, it is so tragic. He was a very popular officer. People are taking it very hard.'' Det. Con. Hollinsid became the second road fatality of the year at about 3 a.m. on Saturday after his bike was in collision with a car.

The young father, who lived in Cherry Dale Road, Knapton Hill, Smith's, had been working a late shift on Friday, but was off duty at the time of the smash.

It is not yet known whether he had just finished and was going home, or whether he had been out with friends.

Police said his private motorcycle collided with a car on Middle Road, Devonshire, near Christ Church.

The male, 23-year-old driver of the car was uninjured, but was interviewed at the scene and subsequently arrested on suspicion of driving while impaired.

Yesterday, Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown, paid tribute to the Police officer, who was his nephew and good friend.

The MP added: "It's very difficult when, in an instant, you lose a nephew, a friend and a very productive citizen.

"I will always remember the times that Robin and I spent fishing and playing golf in Turks and Caicos. And I will always cherish the memory of his closeness to his family in Bermuda. I will miss him.'' Det. Con. Hollinsid's boss, Chief Insp. Larry Smith, described the officer as someone who was always willing to work at any hour, and as someone who never complained.

He added: "His tragic death has deeply affected the entire division.

"It's been tough. He will be missed, and our deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers are extended to his family.'' His good friend and colleague, Det. Sgt. Nicholas Pedro said it had been an honour to know him.

He said: "Seeds was an incredibly intellectual individual. He was a loyal friend to those who had the pleasure of knowing him. If you knew him, you loved him.

"He was a fantastic father to his son, and was immensely popular. I loved him and will miss him.'' The funeral is expected to take place next Friday afternoon, but arrangements will follow soon.

Det. Con. Robin Hollinsid