Woman killed after police chase crash named as PCSO Holly Burke

A community police officer died after her car was hit by a vehicle being chased by traffic cops.

The death of West Midlands PCSO Holly Burke following the crash in Bearwood has been described as 'truly tragic'.

Police cordoned off Hagley Road near Bearwood Road after the collision close to The King's Head pub on Tuesday night.

Hagley Road was closed for up to nine hours after the crash.

Officers spotted a speeding grey Renault Scenic around 11.30pm in Gravelly Hill, Erdington, which failed to stop.

They pursued the car and a stinger was used in Bearwood Road to try and halt it before the Renault hit PCSO Burke's car at the junction with Hagley Road.

The 28-year-old, who was off-duty at the time, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her family are being supported by specialist officers at this time

The driver of the Renault, a 42-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving under the influence of drugs

He remained in custody on Wednesday evening.

PCSO Burke was based at Nechells as part of the Washwood Heath neighbourhood team and had been an officer for 14 months.

Chief Superintendent Kenny Bell, commander at Birmingham East neighbourhood policing unit, said her colleagues were saddened by her loss.

“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," he added.

“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.”

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson also joined the tributes saying she was a 'greatly valued' team member.

Mr Jamieson said: "The loss of PCSO Holly Burke is truly tragic.

"She was greatly valued by West Midlands Police and the communities which she served.

"My thoughts are with Holly’s family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time.”

The fatal collision has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which confirmed it had launched an independent investigation.

Eyewitnesses saw debris scattered across the area and a blue tent erected on the busy route.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: "When ambulance staff arrived on scene, police officers were already performing CPR on a woman, the driver of one of the cars involved.

"Ambulance staff quickly took over resuscitation efforts but sadly nothing could be done to save the woman and she was confirmed dead a short time later on scene.

“The driver of the second car, a man, sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital for further checks.”

Several road closures were in place throughout the early morning, but Hagley Road and Lordswood Road reopened shortly before 9am.