A woman has died after suffering horrendous injuries when she was hit by an unmarked police car which was chasing a separate vehicle suspected of being stolen today.
Greater Manchester Police say they were pursuing a vehicle when the horror smash happened shortly after 10am, killing mum-of-three Heather Smedley.
The force said "a collision occurred involving a police vehicle and a woman" after a short pursuit.
The 53-year-old woman was rushed to the hospital but sadly died despite the best efforts of the medical staff.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct has since clarified the situation, as Heather's family issued a heartbreaking tribute to the “kind” and “beautiful” mum.
They also confirmed that Heather was hit by an unmarked police car.
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.
"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.”
Images from the scene show a wide cordon and debris from the cars strewn across the road.
There was a large police response and at least one ambulance on the scene in Oldham, Manchester Evening News reports.
The fatal incident has been reported to the force's Professional Standards Branch and the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
It is understood that Heather was in her car at the time of the collision.
Ms Smedley’s family paid tribute to “the most kind, gentle, beautiful soul inside and out” in a statement released by the force on Friday evening.
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 her 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.”
Prior to Heather being named, a spokersperson from Greater Manchester Police said: "At around 10am today (Friday, December 23, 2022), officers pursued a suspected stolen vehicle and engaged in short pursuit as a result.
"A short time later a road traffic collision occurred involving a police vehicle and a woman, aged 53, was taken to hospital for treatment to serious injuries, but sadly died a short time later despite the best attempts of emergency service personnel."
Anyone with information or dashcam footage should contact GMP quoting incident log 969 of 23/12/2022.
Information can be reported online or by using the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk. If you can't report online, call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
This story was updated to include the name of the victim and clarification about the incident from the IOPC, following police naming Heather Smedley
