Two PCs investigated over death of woman after crash with unmarked police car
The police watchdog is investigating the actions of two officers in an unmarked car involved in a crash after which a pensioner died. The 84-year-old woman passed away on Christmas Day - 20 days after the collision between the police vehicle, a Skoda Octavia, and her red Nissan Micra in Park Hall.
StokeonTrentLive reported at the time how police, paramedics and firefighters were called out to Park Hall Road near its junction with Hulme Road at 3.50pm on December 5.
Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said a mandatory conduct referral by Staffordshire Police was initially assessed as suitable for an investigation to be carried out locally by the force. But a re-referral was made after the woman - who was initially discharged - was readmitted to hospital and died on December 25.
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Now the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed that a probe is underway into the officers' the actions. It is So far gathering material for review including police body worn footage of the incident, police radio transmissions, policy documents and training records.
IOPC Director Derrick Campbell said: “Following this tragic development we have now decided to independently investigate the circumstances, including the actions and decisions of two police constables before the collision. Our thoughts are with the family of the woman who died and we are making contact with them to explain our role and how our investigation will be conducted. We will keep them regularly updated on our progress.”
An investigation continues into the crash, which occurred while the unmarked police vehicle was using its blue lights, and the Nissan was travelling in the opposite direction.
A Staffordshire Police spokesman f said: "We’re appealing for witnesses after a woman sadly died following a collision with an unmarked police car in Stoke-on-Trent. It happened on Park Hall Road, near to the junction with Hulme Road. An unmarked police Skoda Octavia that was using its blue lights came into collision with a red Nissan Micra that was going in the opposite direction.
"The driver of the Micra, a woman in her 80s, was taken to hospital following the collision. She was re-admitted to hospital on December 16 and died nine days later. Specially-trained officers are continuing to support her family at this time. A re-referral has been made to the IOPC following the woman’s death.
"We’re keen to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time or those who saw the vehicles in the lead up to the collision."
Witnesses should call the force on 101 and quote incident 404 of December 5.
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