A 22-year-old woman was hit and killed by a police car responding to an emergency call, the police watchdog has confirmed.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has appealed for members of the public to come forward after a fatal crash involving a police car. Rachael Louise Moore was hit and killed by the marked car while crossing Sheil Road, Kensington at around 8.10pm on Christmas Eve (December 24).
The ECHO previously reported the IOPC had launched an investigation into the former student's death. A spokesperson for the police watchdog said last week that investigators had visited the scene on the night of the incident to start gathering evidence. The IOPC also confirmed it was in contact with Ms Moore's family to explain its role in the investigation.
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The IOPC began its investigation into the crash following a mandatory referral from Merseyside Police. Mandatory referrals are made to the IOPC should a person die or sustain serious injuries following police contact.
A spokesperson for the watchdog confirmed to the ECHO today, Tuesday, January 3 that the officer involved in the crash was responding to an emergency call when they hit Ms Moore. IOPC regional director Catherine Bates said: "Our thoughts are with Ms Moore's family and friends, and all those affected by this tragic incident on Christmas Eve.
"We have contacted her family to explain our role and we will keep them updated as our inquiries progress. The information we have gathered so far indicates the officer was responding to an emergency call at the time and travelling down Sheil Road in the Kensington area.
"We ask anybody who witnessed the incident, or who was driving in the vicinity of the area at the time, especially if they have dashcam footage, to contact us. It is important in situations like this that there is a thorough and independent investigation to understand the circumstances. Coming forward to assist us will help us to provide Rachael's family with the answers they need."
An eyewitness of the crash previously told the ECHO how she would never forget the moment it happened. The eyewitness, who spoke to the ECHO on the basis of anonymity, said: "I heard a bang and ran out following my boyfriend. The police were giving her CPR but I think she was dead on impact. Seeing her lying there in the cold is something I'll never forget. I'll never get her out of my head - her poor family."
People on Sheil Road told the ECHO the incident was "heartbreaking" being so close to Christmas Day. A police witness appeal sign currently marks where the crash happened.
In a heartbreaking tribute issued by Merseyside Police, 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."
In a further statement issued through the IOPC, Ms Moore's family said: "We are fully supportive of the IOPC investigation and would please ask any witnesses to come forward to assist the IOPC with their enquiries into what happened to our daughter."
Anyone with information is asked to call 03003035727 or email SheilRoad@policeconduct.gov.uk.
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