Presents were strewn across the road after a woman was hit and killed by a police car on Christmas Eve.
Rachael Louise Moore was hit and killed by a marked police car travelling on Sheil Road on Christmas Eve. Emergency services rushed to the road in Kensington following reports of the incident at around 8.10pm where they found the 22-year-old former student.
Paramedics from North West Ambulance Service confirmed at the scene that Ms Moore had died from her injuries. Fire crews from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service remained at the scene - and Merseyside Police closed Sheil Road and a number of side streets while officers carried out enquiries in the local area.
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Reports from the scene detailed over a dozen police vehicles on or around Sheil Road following the incident. Residents living within the cordon could not leave while officers remained at the scene.
People on the road told the ECHO at the time the incident was "heartbreaking" being so close to Christmas Day. An eyewitness later revealed she heard a "bang" when the car hit Ms Moore - and later saw "police picking up all the lady's Christmas present bags off the floor at the scene".
In a heartbreaking tribute, Ms Moore's family said she was the "cherished daughter of Alison and Ian, sister to Ben and much loved granddaughter of nana Sue. Partner to Jack and caring friend to many." The family, who also released a picture of Ms Moore on her university graduation, added: "She will be greatly missed by all those whose lives she touched. The family requests their privacy be respected at this devastating time."
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into Ms Moore's death. Mandatory referrals are made to the IOPC should a person die or sustain serious injuries following police contact. Merseyside Police confirmed it was also appealing for witnesses and CCTV footage to help with the investigation.
Detective Sergeant Kurt Timpson from the MATRIX serious collision investigation unit, confirmed Merseyside Police was providing assistance to the IOPC. DS Timpson added: "Our sincere and thoughts and condolences are with Rachael’s family who have been left devastated by this tragic incident. Specially trained family liaison officers are supporting them at this time.
"I would like to appeal to anyone who witnessed this incident to please make contact with us as we try to piece together the circumstances. I would also like to ask anyone who has CCTV, Dashcam or Smart doorbell footage that may help us to please get in touch. As is standard procedure the incident was referred to the IOPC. The family requests their privacy be respected at this time."
Anyone who witnessed the crash or captured anything on CCTV or dashcam is asked to contact the serious collision investigation unit on (0151) 777 5747, by email at sciu@merseyside.police.uk or via @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook, with reference 857 of Saturday 24 December.
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