Police Officer Charged in Fatal Collision During Pursuit of Stolen Vehicle

Investigation leads to charges against Greater Manchester Police officer after crash results in death of local woman.

A police officer has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving following a fatal collision that occurred during a pursuit of a suspected stolen vehicle in Oldham, Greater Manchester.

The incident, which involved an unmarked police car and a civilian vehicle, took place on December 23, 2022, resulting in the death of 53-year-old Heather Smedley.

The officer, PC Mark Burrows, was operating the police vehicle while pursuing an Audi A3 believed to have been stolen.

The police car collided with a Peugeot 108 driven by Smedley at the junction of Oldham Road and Otmoor Way shortly after 10 AM. Emergency services arrived at the scene to provide medical assistance; however, Smedley was pronounced dead shortly after due to her injuries.

An investigation was initiated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following a referral from Greater Manchester Police.

The IOPC concluded its investigation in October 2023, subsequently sending a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

The CPS reviewed the case and authorized charges against PC Burrows in February 2023.

PC Burrows, aged 45 and a serving member of Greater Manchester Police, is set to appear at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

In the wake of the collision, Smedley's family expressed their grief, describing her as “the most kind, gentle, beautiful soul inside and out” in a statement released by the police force.

The incident has raised discussions about police pursuit policies and public safety.