A witness who saw the moment a young woman was killed in a police car crash has said she will never forget it. Tributes have since been pouring in for Rachael Louise Moore, who has been described as a 'caring' young woman.
The 22-year-old was hit and killed by a marked police car on Sheil Road, Kensington, at around 8.10pm on Christmas Eve. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has since launched an investigation into the former student's death, The ECHO has reported.
The IOPC, the police watchdog, said investigators had visited the scene and the post-incident procedures to start gathering evidence. It was also confirmed that the IPOC was in contact with Ms Moore's family to explain its role in the investigation.
Despite emergency services getting to the busy main road, Ms Moore died from her injuries at the scene. Merseyside Police officers carried out enquiries in the area.
A witness who was one of the first on the scene following the crash told the ECHO on the basis of anonymity: "My boyfriend's sister in law said the woman was waiting to cross the road and had Christmas shopping bags in both hands. The girl went to cross the road and out of nowhere a police car hit her. 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."
She said she saw "police picking up all the lady's Christmas present bags off the floor".
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 added: "She will be greatly missed by all those whose lives she touched. The family requests their privacy be respected at this devastating time."
Merseyside Police confirmed the incident had been referred to the IOPC. Mandatory referrals are made to the IOPC should a person die or sustain serious injuries following police contact.
A spokesperson for the police watchdog said: "Our sympathies are with Rachael’s family and friends and to all those affected by this tragic incident. We have been in contact with the family to express our condolences and explain our role. After being notified about the incident by Merseyside Police we sent investigators to the scene and to the post incident procedures to begin gathering the available evidence. Our investigation is in its very early stages."
