Woman dies after being hit by police car on Christmas Eve

Merseyside Police are appealing for witnesses

A woman in her 20s has been killed after being hit by a police car on Christmas Eve in Liverpool.

Emergency services attended the scene at Sheil Road on Saturday evening after reports of a collision between a pedestrian and a police vehicle.

The woman’s next of kin has been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers, but formal identification is yet to take place.

Merseyside Police said they are appealing for any witnesses, CCTV and dash camera footage which may assist the investigation.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has been informed and has attended the scene.

One person on the scene told the Liverpool Echo: “It’s horrific. It’s Christmas Eve. Whatever it is is looks bad. It’s heartbreaking.”

Anyone who witnessed the collision or captured anything on CCTV or dashcam is asked to contact (0151) 777 5747, or via @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook, with reference 857 of Saturday 24 December.

The tragedy comes after a 53-year-old woman was killed after being struck by a police car on December 23 in Greater Manchester.

After being hit by the police vehicle in Royton on Friday morning, mother-of-three Heather Smedley was taken to hospital but died a short time later.

Her family described her as “the most wonderful mother,” daughter, wife and friend.

In a statement, they said: “She was the glue that held our family together. Her resilience and kindness inspired us all to be better.”

Heather Smedley, 53, was killed after being hit by a police car two days before Christmas (Family handout / GMP)

Chris Bowen, Chief Superintendent of GMP’s Oldham district, said a referral had been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) as well its own professional standards branch.

“Our sincere thoughts and condolences go to the family and friends of the woman that has sadly passed,” he said.

“We understand that the public are concerned by incidents of this nature.

“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.”