A legal investigation is underway following the tragic demise of an 81-year-old girl who was struck by a police bike escorting the Duchess of Edinburgh. Helen Holland was hit at a junction in Earl’s Court, West London, on May 10. The police officer riding the vehicle is being investigated for offences, including inflicting death by dangerous driving, by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Holland suffered extreme injuries in the crash, together with a number of broken bones and significant inner accidents, leading to her demise two weeks later. Unexplained is also being investigated for causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving and potential gross misconduct. However, this does not necessarily mean that charges or disciplinary proceedings will comply with.
IOPC Director Amanda Rowe emphasised the importance of a “thorough, unbiased investigation” to ascertain the complete circumstances surrounding the incident. She added, “At the top of our investigation, we will resolve whether to refer the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging choice and whether the officer should face disciplinary proceedings.”