A family has paid tribute to a 'kind and gentle' mother-of-three who died after being hit by an unmarked police car in Royton, Oldham. Heather Smedley, 53, was taken to hospital with serious injuries following the collision at about 10:00 GMT on Friday and died a short time later.
The police car was pursuing a separate vehicle suspected to have been stolen when it collided with Mrs Smedley's car. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the circumstances leading up to the crash and whether police actions were in accordance with policies and procedures.
In a statement, Mrs Smedley's family described her as the 'most wonderful mother' to Benjamin, Olivia and Jamie, and daughter to Hilda and Fred and wife to Damian. They said she was 'the glue that held our family together' and 'the most kind, gentle, beautiful soul inside and out'.
Greater Manchester Police Chief Superintendent Chris Bowen expressed his 'sincere thoughts and condolences' to the family and friends of Mrs Smedley.
