Investigation into fatal collision in Waltham Abbey is underway

9 Apr 2019 02:01 PM

An independent investigation into the circumstances of a police pursuit prior to a road traffic collision in which Jessica Michael (nee Ladkin) died in Essex on Thursday, 28 March evening is underway.

The collision occurred in Parklands, Waltham Abbey, shortly before 10pm involving a Vauxhall Corsa, Vauxhall Mokka and a Range Rover.

We were notified of the collision by Hertfordshire Police as is standard after a death following police contact. A police car from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Road Policing Unit had been pursuing the Corsa, driven by Jessica Michael (nee Ladkin), 31, when it was involved in a collision with the Vauxhall Mokka travelling in the opposite direction. Debris from the collision struck a Range Rover travelling behind the Mokka.

One occupant from the Mokka remains in hospital in a serious condition, the other occupants sustained less serious injuries. The driver of the Range Rover is understood to have sustained minor injuries.

Investigators from the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) were sent to the scene of the collision and also to the police post incident procedure.

Our independent investigators have viewed dashcam footage captured from the Vauxhall Mokka as well as video footage from inside the police car. We have supervised the download of material and overseen the officers’ providing their accounts. Our investigators have made contact with Mrs Michael’s next of kin and the occupants of the Mokka.

Our investigation will examine the actions and decisions of the officers involved in the pursuit prior to the collision. Following an initial gathering of evidence the officers are being treated as witnesses.

Regional Director Sarah Green said:

“Three separate families have been impacted as a result of the collision, one now grieving the loss of their loved one, and our thoughts go to all those affected by the events on Thursday evening.

“We are carrying out a rigorous and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the police involvement prior to the collision.

“Our investigators have already spoken with Mrs Michael’s family and we will be making contact with the other people involved on that night.

“We will keep the families updated as the investigation progresses.”