An eyewitness who witnessed the aftermath of a young woman being hit and killed by a police car said she will "never get her out of my head".
Rachael Louise Moore was hit and killed by a marked police car on Sheil Road, Kensington at around 8.10pm on Christmas Eve. The ECHO reported yesterday, Wednesday, December 28 that the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) had launched an investigation into the 22-year-old former student's death.
A spokesperson for the police watchdog told the ECHO investigators had visited the scene and the post-incident procedures to start gathering evidence. The IOPC also confirmed it was in contact with Ms Moore's family to explain its role in the investigation.
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Emergency services rushed to the busy main road following the incident but Ms Moore was confirmed to have died at the scene of her injuries. Merseyside Police closed Sheil Road and a number of adjoining side streets while officers carried out enquiries in the local area.
An eyewitness who was one of the first on the scene following the crash has now told the ECHO how she will never forget the moment it happened. The eyewitness, who spoke to the ECHO on the basis of anonymity, said: "My boyfriend's sister in law said the woman was waiting to cross the road.
"The girl went to cross the road and out of nowhere a police car hit her. 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."
People on Sheil Road told the ECHO at the time the incident was "heartbreaking" being so close to Christmas Day.
The eyewitness added the road has been in mourning since the incident - and flowers have been ordered to leave at the scene. A police witness appeal sign currently marks where the crash happened.
In a heartbreaking tribute issued by Merseyside Police, 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 Ms Moore on her 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."
Merseyside Police confirmed the incident had been referred to the IOPC. Mandatory referrals are made to the IOPC should a person die or sustain serious injuries following police contact.
A spokesperson for the police watchdog told the ECHO : "Our sympathies are with Rachael’s family and friends and to all those affected by this tragic incident. We have been in contact with the family to express our condolences and explain our role. After being notified about the incident by Merseyside Police we sent investigators to the scene and to the post incident procedures to begin gathering the available evidence. Our investigation is in its very early stages."
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