People in a "close knit" community have been left shocked and traumatised after a "king and gentle" mum of-three was killed in a crash with a police car which was pursuing a separate car.
Heather Smedley died after her car collided with an unmarked police vehicle which was chasing a suspected suspected stolen car on Friday morning.
The 53-year-old was driving near to her home in Oldham, Greater Manchester, when the crash took place just two days before Christmas.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed officers had been pursuing suspects at the time of the crash when the mum was hit.
The horrific event has led to an outpouring of grief, with stunned neighbours in the area telling of their shock at Heather's death.
"I know the family - it's just awful," one neighbour told the Manchester Evening News.
"Whoever the police were chasing, they have to realise that their actions have consequences.
"It was an accident. It's very sad, very traumatic. It's not a happy time for any of us this year."
Just doors down, another resident told of being scarred by the sight of the crash scene, saying he had heard a loud 'bang' as if "a bomb had gone off".
"It was literally all over the road. I don't know how to explain it, it was like the car blew up. I tried not to look, because I knew it would stick with me.
"The family must be devastated. It's just the worst feeling. That's the worst thing you could imagine - somebody you love dies.
"Anyone could walk out the house now and just never come back. Especially if you drive, it's dangerous."
"Don't take things for granted, especially those you love. It's a pretty close-knit community around here, we're all just devastated for the family really."
In a heartbreaking statement on Friday night, Heather's family said there would be "a hole in our hearts forever".
The statement, issued through Greater Manchester Police, said: "To the most wonderful mother to Benjamin, Olivia and Jamie, daughter to Hilda and Fred, sister, friend, and wife to Damian. The world was a much better place with you in it."
"Our mum was the most kind, gentle, beautiful soul inside and out. She faced all of life’s challenges with her beautiful smile, and her bravery and courage never wavered.
"We could not have asked for a better role model growing up, giving everything, she had to all of those she loved, and always supporting those around her.
"She was the glue that held our family together. Her resilience and kindness inspired us all to be better.
"She had the greatest sense of humour and contagious laugh that we will miss every single day.
"You were too good for this world Mum, there will be a hole in our hearts forever."
GMP are continuing to investigate the tragedy, which they have referred onto the Independent Office of Police Conduct as protocol whenever a person in killed following a police pursuit.
