Harry Dunn: Family appeals for witnesses of US diplomat’s wife leaving UK after Trump defends suspect

The family of the teenager who was killed in a crash allegedly involving a US diplomat’s wife have launched an appeal for witnesses of the suspect leaving for the US.

Harry Dunn died when his motorbike crashed into a car, allegedly driven by Anne Sacoolas, outside an RAF base in Northamptonshire on 27 August.

His death has become the subject of a dispute between the UK and US after Ms Sacoolas, who is the wife of a US intelligence official, was granted diplomatic immunity and left the UK.

Charlotte Charles and Tim Dunn, the 19-year-old victim’s parents, are set to fly to the US on Sunday and will visit New York and Washington DC to “put pressure on the US administration to do the right thing”.

Radd Seiger, a spokesperson and adviser for the family, said they would like to launch a direct appeal to anyone who saw Ms Sacoolas leave the UK.

“Anne Sacoolas left England to return to the USA following the road traffic collision outside RAF Croughton on 27 August,” Mr Seiger said.

“I would urge anyone, on either side of the Atlantic, who has any information relating to Ms Sacoolas’ return to the United States, whether before, during, or after her departure, to please come forward.”

The UK government has sought a waiver of diplomatic immunity in the case, with Boris Johnson calling the US “absolutely ruthless” in its safeguarding of Ms Sacoolas.

After speaking to the US president, Mr Johnson said Donald Trump was sympathetic towards Harry’s family on the issue of diplomatic immunity but the US was “very reluctant” to allow one of its citizens to be tried abroad.

Harry’s family have said they “continue to live in a nightmare” and have so far been unable to grieve after his death.

“As if losing Harry was not enough, they now find themselves having to expend enormous time and energy, which they can ill afford, generating sufficient publicity to garner public support to persuade the US government to help achieve closure,” a statement released on behalf of the family said.

“Sadly, all such efforts to date have failed.”

The family want Ms Sacoolas to return to the UK to “face the consequences of her actions”.

Ms Charles and Mr Dunn will meet with US media and politicians to ask for support in their son’s case.

“They are looking forward to making as many new friends in the USA as possible,” the statement added.

“Harry’s family will simply not leave matters where they are and will do whatever it takes, including taking legal action if necessary, to secure justice for Harry.”

Agencies contributed to this report

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