A police officer has been given a misconduct warning after a fatal collision between his patrol car responding to a 999 call and a motorcycle.
The Independent Office for Policing Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the circumstances of a collision which claimed the life of the motorbike passenger at Dunston Bank in Gateshead on Friday 8 July.
Muriel Pinkney, 74, died in hospital on Sunday July 17, while the man was taken to hospital after suffering multiple fractures to his leg, hip and pelvis.
Read more: Motorist killed in car crash on A1 Western Bypass near Newcastle after three-car collision
According to the IOPC, evidence gathered so far shows the officer involved was responding to an emergency call at the time and was traveling with his blue lights on Dunston Road near the MetroCentre.
The notice informs the officer that his conduct or actions may have violated the rules of professional conduct.
The watchdong has also notified the officer that evidence indicates that they may have committed a crime related to their driving.
This does not necessarily mean that conduct proceedings or criminal charges will follow and that the officer’s status will remain under review throughout the investigation.
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IOPC regional director Thea Walton said: “Following a thorough and careful analysis of the available evidence, we have informed an officer that his conduct is now under investigation.
“Once our inquiries are complete, we will determine whether any disciplinary proceedings may be required, or a referral to the Crown Prosecution Service, or whether any learning has been identified.
“Our thoughts remain with Ms Pinkney’s family and all those affected. We will continue to be in touch with the family to keep them informed of how our inquiries are progressing.”
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