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You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/jun/06/police-motorcyclist-london-collision-helen-holland
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| Police motorcyclist may be charged over London collision that killed woman | Police motorcyclist may be charged over London collision that killed woman |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| Helen Holland died in May after being hit by vehicle that was part of Duchess of Edinburgh’s police escort | Helen Holland died in May after being hit by vehicle that was part of Duchess of Edinburgh’s police escort |
| A Metropolitan police constable who was part of the Duchess of Edinburgh’s motorcycle escort could face criminal charges over a collision that killed an 81-year-old woman. | |
| Helen Holland was struck at the junction of West Cromwell Road and Warwick Road in Earl’s Court, west London, on the afternoon of 10 May. She suffered serious injuries and died two weeks later. | |
| The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said the constable had been told they were under criminal investigation for the offences of causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving. | |
| They are also being investigated for potential gross misconduct, although it does not mean that charges or disciplinary proceedings will follow. | |
| Last month, the duchess, Sophie, who is married to Prince Edward, said she was “deeply saddened” by Holland’s death. | |
| Announcing the criminal investigation, the IOPC director Amanda Rowe said: “Our thoughts remain with Ms Holland’s family, friends and everyone affected by her death. | |
| “This is a tragic incident and it is important that we carry out a thorough, independent investigation to establish the full circumstances, which will include the actions and decision-making of the officer under investigation. | “This is a tragic incident and it is important that we carry out a thorough, independent investigation to establish the full circumstances, which will include the actions and decision-making of the officer under investigation. |
| “We have been in regular contact with Ms Holland’s family and we will keep them updated as our investigation progresses. | “We have been in regular contact with Ms Holland’s family and we will keep them updated as our investigation progresses. |
| “At the end of our investigation, we will decide whether to refer the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision and whether the officer should face disciplinary proceedings.” | “At the end of our investigation, we will decide whether to refer the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision and whether the officer should face disciplinary proceedings.” |
| Investigators attended the scene and police body-worn video footage had been reviewed, the watchdog added. Witness accounts have also been taken following an appeal after the crash. | |
| Last month, Holland’s son, Martin, told the BBC she died after sustaining “multiple broken bones and massive internal injuries”. | |
| He said she fought “for her life for nearly two weeks … but irreversible damage to her brain finally ended the battle”. She was using the “safe route of [a] pedestrian crossing” when she was struck by the motorcycle, according to her son. | |
| After her death was announced, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “The Duchess of Edinburgh is deeply saddened to hear that Helen Holland has passed away. | |
| “Her Royal Highness’s deepest condolences and sympathies go to all of Ms Holland’s family.” | |
| PA Media contributed to this report |