Investigation over death of woman after crash with Staffordshire Police car
The police watchdog has launched a probe into the actions of two Staffordshire officers after a pensioner's car was struck by an unmarked force vehicle.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation relates to a collision with a red Nissan Micra and a police Skoda Octavia when an 84-year-old woman was injured.
The Nissan driver was taken to hospital with injuries but later discharged.
She was then readmitted to hospital and died on Christmas Day.
In a statement the IPOC said a mandatory conduct referral made to it by Staffordshire Police and the matter was initially assessed as being suitable a local force investigation.
However, since her death a fresh referral was made.
IOPC director Derrick Campbell said: “Following this tragic development we have now decided to independently investigate the circumstances, including the actions and decisions of two police constables before the collision.
"Our thoughts are with the family of the woman who died and we have made contact with them to explain our role and how our investigation will be conducted.
"We will keep them regularly updated on our progress.”
The incident happened, in Park Hall Road, in Stoke-on-Trent.