Holly Burke: Woman killed in hit-and-run crash after police chase was PCSO, West Midlands Police says

Twenty-eight-year-old described as 'greatly valued' by colleagues

Jon Sharman
Wednesday 23 January 2019 18:48 GMT
Police community support officer Holly Burke, 28, who died in a crash after a car being followed by police failed to stop
Police community support officer Holly Burke, 28, who died in a crash after a car being followed by police failed to stop

A woman killed in a car crash when a vehicle being chased by police failed to stop was a serving police community support officer, West Midlands Police said.

Holly Burke, 28, died at the crash site after being hit by a car speeding away from a police stinger trap following a 15-minute chase in Birmingham on Tuesday.

The community support officer had been in the job for 14 months.

A man has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop for a police officer, driving without a licence and driving with no insurance.

Darren Ogom, 42, from Kings Norton, is currently in custody and will appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court tomorrow, according to ITV News.

Chief Superintendent Kenny Bell said: “This is a desperately sad time for everyone who knew Holly and our thoughts and condolences are with Holly’s mum and dad, family, friends and colleagues.

“There is no doubt that this tragic event will have an impact on those officers who responded and those who worked alongside her.

“Holly has been taken from us too soon and as a police family we are feeling this.”

Police and crime commissioner David Jamieson said Ms Burke was “greatly valued” by the force and communities she served.

West Midlands Police said Ms Burke’s next of kin had been informed and were being supported by its family liaison unit.

The force said the incident had been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, who said investigators have been gathering evidence including body worn and in-car footage.

Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

A 42-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of death by dangerous driving, and driving under the influence of drugs, and remains in police custody.

Additional reporting by PA

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in