Mum killed in horror crash on way to own birthday holiday after police chase
A mum was killed in a crash following a police pursuit as she headed off on holiday to celebrate her birthday.
Zoe Hawes, from Canvey Island, near Southend-on-Sea, Essex, was travelling on the M25 at around 4am last Sunday as she prepared to mark turning 40 when she was killed in the collision between junction 22 and 21A near St Albans. Another man also died.
Officers had been in pursuit of a stolen white Citroen van which was later involved in the fatal incident involving three vehicles, including that carrying Zoe. No police vehicle was involved in the crash itself, with the pursuit having been stood down beforehand.
A man in his 20s has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. The involvement of Hertfordshire Constabulary officers is now the subject of a probe by watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
In a tribute, Zoe's family said: "Zoe was the heart of our blended family. She was a role model to everyone and the centre of our family. She was a very much loved mum, step-mum, sister, aunt and lovely young nanna.
Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him
"She was a friend to many. She was very much looking to go on holiday to celebrate her 40th with her husband. Sadly a holiday and birthday she didn't get to celebrate. We are all trying to pull together as a family and are devastated to lose Zoe in this tragic way. We wouldn't have changed her for the world and she leaves an enormous hole in our family that will never be filled. We love you and will miss you forever xx."
The IOPC says it has sent investigators to the scene to gather information for its investigation which it says is in its "early stages". A forensic investigation is also underway. In a statement the watchdog said: "We are investigating the police actions prior to a fatal road traffic collision on the M25 earlier today. We sent our investigators to the scene and to the post incident procedure to begin the process of gathering information. Our investigation is in the very early stages."
The van, which had been reported stolen, was spotted by officers from the force on the M1 at around 3.40am, the IPOC said. The officers initiated a pursuit after failing to stop the driver with lights and sirens, but it was abandoned shortly after with the risk of continuing deemed too high.
A second pursuit of the van was made shortly before 4am on Breakspear Way in Hemel Hempstead, but was also abandoned. The vehicle was then seen by an officer as it was travelling on the wrong side of the M25. The officer followed the van on the correct side of the road but did not activate their lights or sirens, the IOPC said.
A collision between the van and other vehicles then occurred between junctions 21a and 22 on the motorway at around 4.08am, resulting in the deaths of two people. The driver of the van was taken to hospital and remains in a serious condition. Essex Police has launched a criminal investigation into the crash.
The IOPC said it was gathering and reviewing evidence to piece together the incident, including police dashcam footage and officers’ body-worn video footage, motorway CCTV and police call logs and radio transmissions.
IOPC regional director Charmaine Arbouin said: “Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic incident. Given that police officers were pursuing one of the vehicles before the fatal collision, it’s important that we independently investigate the actions and decision-making of the officers involved. We will ensure that our inquiries do not impede the police investigation, and we will keep those involved regularly updated.”
In a statement, Hertfordshire Police said on the day of the crash: "The M25 remains closed between junctions 22 (London Colney) and 21A (North Orbital Road/St Albans) following a collision at around 4am this morning. Officers were in pursuit of a van before the van was involved in a collision with three other vehicles.
"No police vehicles were involved in the collision and the pursuit had been stood down prior to the collision. A woman has sadly passed away and her family are being supported by specially trained officers. As a matter of course, the incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct."
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
