Who is Colby Thorne in Home and Away? Senior constable who’s got a connection with the River Boys

HOME and Away has been reeling from the aftermath of Kat Chapman's devastating fatal car crash - and the introduction of the violent River Boys gang.

But who exactly is the mysterious new copper Colby Thorne and how does he know chief River Boy Dean?

Who is Colby Thorne in Home and Away?

Colby is the new police officer in Summer Bay, and he has a dark secret - he was a member of the River Boys.

He shows up to the Bay to take over from Kat Chapman after her death, and has connections with some of the newest arrivals in town.

Fans notice that Colby is familiar with Dean, because he was his former childhood best friend - and he also becomes Jasmine's love interest.

Dean has issues with Colby because when they were part of the River Boys together, Colby bailed out on Dean when he needed him most and betrayed him.

He then chose to leave his past behind and study to become a police officer.

What were Colby Thorne's first scenes in Home and Away?

Colby made his first appearance when Mason was walking home and got confronted by Taz and Bluey, two of the River Boys.

They were itching for a fight and went to attack him - but mysterious stranger Colby intervened and told them to back off.

When a fight broke out, the police turned up, and Colby revealed he was the town's new police officer.

His first tasks on the force were tracking down Robbo and handling Jasmine's stalker case.

Who is Colby Thorne actor Tim Franklin?

Tim Franklin, 27, is a Brisbane-born actor whose first major role is in the Australian soap.