Family's 'hearts broken forever' as woman dies in crash after police chase
The family of a woman killed in a crash following a police chase say their "hearts have been broken forever".
Kathleen Kirby died following a smash on Bolton Road, in Wigan, at around 2.30pm on Monday where police pursued a vehicle that "failed to stop" for officers.
The vehicle being chased is then believed to have crashed into another vehicle, which tragically hit Ms Kirby.
She was rushed to hospital from the scene with serious injuries but sadly died a short time later.
A man was arrested and taken into custody, said police.
Mum wades 60 miles through river after tracking 'stolen' sausage dog with AirTag
Kathleen's family said she was a woman "who took everyone under her wing", reported the Manchester Evening News.
They said: "Our hearts our broken forever as today we lost our beloved Mum, Nanna, Sister, Partner, Aunty and best friend to so many. She took everyone under her wing, only ever seen the good in everyone.
The smash happened on Bolton Road, in Wigan, at around 2.30pm on Monday"Kathleen would be there no matter what and was the rock of our family, she held everyone together with her strength and passion for life. She will never be forgotten and we will all make her proud in everything we do.
"Love you always and forever, Mum, Nanna, Partner and sister, always in our hearts."
The incident has been referred to the Greater Manchester Police’s Professional Standards Branch and the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
A statement from GMP said: "A woman has sadly died following a road traffic collision in Platt Bridge, Wigan.
"At around 2.30pm today (Monday 26 June 2023), officers engaged in a short pursuit following reports that a vehicle had failed to stop for police. A short time later, a collision occurred involving another vehicle, which was not involved in the police pursuit, hitting a woman in her 60s.
"The woman was taken to hospital for treatment to serious injuries, but sadly died a short time later despite the best attempts of emergency services and medical staff. A man has been arrested in connection with the incident and remains in police custody at this time."
Following the tragic news, Councillor Danny Fletcher, for Ashton-in-Makerfield South, said: "As councillor for Ashton-in-Makerfield I was extremely saddened to hear of the devastating accident in our town yesterday afternoon and sad passing of much loved local resident Kathleen. I would like to send my thoughts and prayers to Kathleen’s amazing family.
"Without knowing the specifics of this incident, I cannot comment in detail, however I would like to thank the emergency services for their quick and professional response. I would also like to highlight the heroic efforts of local Ashton residents and businesses, who instinctively offered help at the scene.
Dog walker warns others to watch out for brutal traps that 'could kill a child'
"Going forward, with my thoughts and prayers currently with Kathleen’s family, I will be liaising with all relevant services to understand what happened and helping to firmly bring those responsible to justice."
Yesterday, Superintendent Ian Jones of GMP’s Wigan district said: "Our sincere thoughts and condolences go to the family and friends of the woman that has sadly passed away following the incident earlier on today.
"We understand that the public are concerned by incidents of this nature and 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 during the road closure."
Anyone with information or dashcam footage should contact GMP quoting incident log 2166 of 26/6/2023.
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.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
