Heather Smedley, 53, died after being involved in a traffic collision with a police car in Oldham
(Picture: Greater Manchester Police/PA)Tributes have been paid to a “kind” and “beautiful” mother-of-three who was killed by a police vehicle as it was on a police chase in Oldham.
Greater Manchester Police said Heather Smedley, 53, died a short time after the collision around 10am on Friday in Oldham’s Shaw Road.
Officers said they had been chasing a suspected stolen vehicle when the collision occurred.
In a moving statement, Ms Smedley’s family paid tribute to "the most kind, gentle, beautiful soul inside and out”.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), has confirmed it is investigating the force’s actions in the run-up to the incident.
Ms Smedley's family said: “To the most wonderful mother to Benjamin, Olivia and Jamie, daughter to Hilda and Fred, sister, friend, and wife to Damian.
“The world was a much better place with you in it. Our mum was the most kind, gentle, beautiful soul inside and out.
“She faced all of life's challenges with her beautiful smile and her bravery and courage never wavered."
The family also described the 53-year-old as a “role model" with “the greatest sense of humour and contagious laugh" whose “resilience and kindness inspired us all to be better".
“You were too good for this world Mum, there will be a hole in our hearts forever," they said, adding that the family have asked for privacy as they grieve.
Chris Bowen, Chief Superintendent of GMP's Oldham district, said: “Our sincere thoughts and condolences go to the family and friends of the woman that has sadly passed.
"We understand that the public are concerned by incidents of this nature. In line with normal procedure, referrals have been made to GMP's Professional Standards Branch and the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
“Investigations like this often result in road closures which can cause significant disruption and we thank the local community and road users for their patience."
An IOPC spokesperson confirmed its investigation after being notified by Greater Manchester Police.
“After being notified by Greater Manchester Police we deployed investigators to the scene and to the police post-incident procedure to begin our inquiries," they said.
“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."
Anyone with information or dashcam footage is being asked to contact GMP quoting incident log 969 of 23/12/2022.
