Audi struck Mercedes van in police chase crash that killed woman, watchdog says

A woman was killed after an Audi that was being chased by police struck a Mercedes van, the police watchdog said.

Kathleen Kirby tragically died after the incident on Bolton Road in Wigan yesterday afternoon (Monday). Police pursued an Audi car that had 'made off' from officers, before the car struck a Mercedes van.

The van then struck Kathleen who was walking on the street, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said. She sadly died after suffering serious injuries.

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The incident is now being investigated by the IOPC and by Greater Manchester Police's Professional Standards Branch. A spokesperson for the IOPC said: "We can confirm we have decided to investigate Greater Manchester Police actions prior to a fatal road traffic collision in Platt Bridge, Wigan yesterday afternoon (Monday).

"We were informed that at around 2.40 pm a Mercedes van collided with a woman pedestrian in Bolton Road after the van had been struck by a suspect Audi car that had made off from police moments earlier. We understand a police car had briefly pursued the Audi prior to the collision.

"The woman, in her 60s, was taken to hospital but was sadly pronounced dead there later. An independent investigation was declared at 6.30pm and we sent investigators to the scene and to the police post incident procedure to begin our enquiries."

A man was arrested and taken into custody for questioning. Touching floral tributes for Kathleen have now been placed at the scene at the crash.

Her loved ones, who shared a picture and tribute of her with the Manchester Evening News, said she was 'the rock of the family'. They said: "Our hearts our broken