Police officers involved in a smash that killed a 53-year-old woman are being investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
An unmarked police car had been chasing a suspected stolen vehicle through the streets of Oldham at around 10am this morning (Friday December 23). Shortly after the police vehicle collided with a separate car, which was being driven by the woman, the IOPC stated. She died in hospital a short time after the crash in Oldham Road, Royton.
IOPC are now carrying out an investigation into whether "police actions were in accordance with policies and procedures.” An IOPC spokesman said: “We can confirm we are independently investigating police actions prior to a fatal road traffic collision in Oldham this morning (Friday). The collision between an unmarked police vehicle and a car driven by a member of the public took place soon after 10 am today.
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"Sadly, a 53-year-old woman driving the member of public car sustained serious injuries in the collision and died in hospital later this morning. We understand that the police car had been pursuing a separate, suspected stolen vehicle prior to the collision.
"After being notified by Greater Manchester Police we deployed investigators to the scene and to the police post incident procedure to begin our enquiries. Initial accounts from police officers involved are being obtained.
"Our thoughts are with the woman’s family and friends at this awful time and all those affected by this tragic incident. Our investigation will examine the circumstances leading up to the collision and whether police actions were in accordance with policies and procedures.”
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