A police officer has been cleared of any wrongdoing in a fatal crash that occurred while he was pursuing a stolen vehicle. PC Mark Burrows was involved in a collision with a car driven by 47-year-old Heather Smedley in April 2023. The incident happened in the early hours of the morning in a residential area. The Audi A3 being driven by PC Burrows had been stolen earlier that night, and he was attempting to apprehend the suspects when the collision occurred.
Following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), PC Burrows has been cleared of any wrongdoing. The IOPC found that the officer's actions were 'proportionate and necessary' in the circumstances. However, the organisation also expressed concerns about the decision to pursue a stolen vehicle through a residential area.
The family of Heather Smedley has been informed of the outcome of the investigation. The incident has raised questions about the safety of pursuing stolen vehicles through residential areas and the potential risks to the public.
PC Burrows has been cleared to return to duty. The incident is a reminder of the risks faced by police officers and the public when pursuing stolen vehicles.