A woman who died along with her dog after a collision with a police car has been named as grandmother Sharron Hall.
A police officer has been informed they will be subject to a criminal investigation and under internal investigation for potential gross misconduct, police watchdogs, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said.
An initial IOPC investigation of the fatal incident has found mother-of-four Ms Hall, 64, was driving a Suzuki Celerio down Cleator Moor Road in Whitehaven, Cumbria, around 7.50am on Sunday, January 19.
At the same time three officers were responding to an emergency call and travelling in separate vehicles.
The second police vehicle, a Peugeot 308 estate, collided with Ms Hall’s car.
Ms Hall died in hospital the next day. Her dog was in the car and was also killed.
In a tribute from Ms Hall’s family, they said: “She was a special, caring woman who would give her help willingly to anyone who asked for it.
“She worked at Howgill Family Centre for over 20 years which she loved.
“She was a keen animal lover and you very rarely saw her without her little dog Jack, who also sadly passed away in the collision.
“She had a full and joyful life which was full of love and she will be sorely missed by her family and friends, especially by her four children, Andrew, Samantha, Mark and Tracy. She was an amazing mum, nanna, sister, aunt and friend.”
The IOPC said they were notified by Cumbria Police of the collision shortly after it happened and investigators began gathering evidence.
Initial accounts have been taken from the police officers involved and investigators are reviewing police vehicle dashcam footage along with bodyworn video.
The IOPC said following initial assessments, an officer has been informed they will be subject of a criminal investigation.
They have also been advised they are under investigation for potential gross misconduct.
The officer being informed of these allegations does not necessarily mean any proceedings will follow, the IOPC said, that will depend on the evidence established from the investigation.
IOPC director of engagement Amanda Rowe said: “Our thoughts are with Ms Hall’s family and friends, and to all those affected by this tragic incident.
“We have been in contact with her family to explain our role, offer advice and support, and to outline the next steps of our independent investigation.
“There is a mandatory requirement for forces to refer to us incidents like this, which result in death or serious injury, and our investigation will thoroughly examine the circumstances of the police involvement.”
Cumbria Police has been contacted for comment.
