A woman who died following a collision with a police car in West Cumbria has been named.
And it has been revealed that an officer involved will be subject to a criminal investigation.
Sharron Hall, 64, of Cleator Moor, was involved in the collision with the police car on Cleator Moor Road, Hensingham last Sunday, January 19.
She died on Monday in hospital.
An investigation has been launched by the Independent Office for Police Conduct into the circumstances of the collision.
It said: “We have established that prior to the collision, three officers were responding to an emergency call and travelling in separate vehicles.
At 7.50am while travelling down Cleator Moor Road, the second police vehicle, a Peugeot 308 estate, collided with a Suzuki Celerio driven by Mrs Hall.
“We were notified by Cumbria police of the collision shortly after it happened and investigators began gathering evidence.
“We declared an independent investigation at 9.35am on Monday. We have gathered initial accounts from officers involved and are reviewing police vehicle dashcam footage along with body worn video.
Following initial assessments by IOPC investigators, 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, 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.”
Ms Hall’s dog was in the vehicle at the time and also died. A police officer was also taken to hospital with serious injuries. There has been no update about their condition.
