A police officer has been warned they could face criminal charges after a crash which left a female bike passenger dead.
Muriel Pinkney, 74, died in hospital almost two weeks after the the motorcycle she was on was involved in a collision with a police car, in Gateshead, on July 8.
The incident happened on a slip road between the A1 and Dunston, near the Metrocentre.
A 77-year-old man, who was driving the bike suffered multiple fractures to his leg, hip, and pelvis. An investigation was then launched by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
And today the police watchdog has confirmed that the Northumbria Police officer who was driving the car has been served with a gross misconduct notice.
An IPOC spokesman said: "The evidence gathered so far shows the officer involved was responding to an emergency call at the time and travelling with his blue lights on Dunston Road near the Metrocentre.
"The notice informs the officer that their conduct or actions may have breached the standards of professional behaviour. We have further notified the officer that the evidence indicates they may have committed a criminal offence in relation to their manner of driving.
"This does not necessarily mean conduct proceedings or criminal charges will follow and the status of the officer will remain under review throughout the investigation."
IOPC regional director Thea Walton added: “Following thorough and careful analysis of the available evidence, we have informed an officer that their conduct is now under investigation. Upon conclusion of our inquiries, we will determine whether any disciplinary proceedings, or a referral to the Crown Prosecution Service, may be required, or indeed whether any learning has been identified.
“Our thoughts remain with Mrs Pinkney’s family and all those affected. We will remain in contact with the family to keep them updated on how our inquiries progress.”
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