The police car that hit and killed a young woman on Christmas Eve was responding to an emergency call, the police watchdog has confirmed.
Rachael Louise Moore, 22, was struck by the marked vehicle travelling in Liverpool, Merseyside.
Emergency services rushed to the road in Kensington following reports of the incident at around 8.10pm but paramedics confirmed she had died from her injuries.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an appeal for members of the public to come forward after the fatal crash.
An investigation was carried out and it was confirmed the officer involved in the crash was responding to an emergency call when they hit Ms Moore, the LiverpoolEcho report.
IOPC regional director Catherine Bates said: "Our thoughts are with Ms Moore's family and friends, and all those affected by this tragic incident on Christmas Eve.
"We have contacted her family to explain our role and we will keep them updated as our inquiries progress. The information we have gathered so far indicates the officer was responding to an emergency call at the time and travelling down Sheil Road in the Kensington area.
"We ask anybody who witnessed the incident, or who was driving in the vicinity of the area at the time, especially if they have dashcam footage, to contact us.
"It is important in situations like this that there is a thorough and independent investigation to understand the circumstances. Coming forward to assist us will help us to provide Rachael's family with the answers they need."
An eyewitness later revealed she heard a "bang" when the car hit Ms Moore - and heartbreakingly later saw "police picking up all the lady's Christmas present bags off the floor at the scene".
Another, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "I heard a bang and ran out following my boyfriend. The police were giving her CPR but I think she was dead on impact. Seeing her lying there in the cold is something I'll never forget. I'll never get her out of my head - her poor family."
In a tribute, Ms Moore's family said she was the "cherished daughter of Alison and Ian, sister to Ben and much loved granddaughter of nana Sue. Partner to Jack and caring friend to many."
The family, who also released a picture of her after university graduation, added: "She will be greatly missed by all those whose lives she touched. The family requests their privacy be respected at this devastating time."
In a further statement issued through the IOPC, Ms Moore's family said: "We are fully supportive of the IOPC investigation and would please ask any witnesses to come forward to assist the IOPC with their enquiries into what happened to our daughter."
