Driver appears in court for causing death of PCSO Holly Burke after crash

Holly Burke, a serving West Midlands Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) was killed in the collision in Bearwood Road, with its junction of Hagley Road, on Tuesday night.

Despite the best efforts of emergency services, 28-year-old Holly, who was off duty at the time, died at the scene.

Darren Ogom, of Longsdale Road, in Kings Norton, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and appeared at Birmingham Magistrates' Court this morning.

The court heard unemployed Ogom is accused of causing the PCSO's death by driving a silver Renault Megane Scenic dangerously.

The 42-year-old is also charged with driving without a licence, driving without insurance and failing to stop for a police officer.

Appearing at court on Thursday, Ogom spoke only to confirm his name, address, date of birth and nationality in a five-minute hearing.

Wearing a grey t-shirt, he looked at the floor throughout the hearing while flanked by two dock officers.

Ogom was remanded into custody to appear at Birmingham Crown Court on February 21.

The death of Holly has been described as 'truly tragic'.

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 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.”

Police colleagues from the Washood Heath team shared pictures of her online in tribute.

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

IOPC regional director, Derrick Campbell, said: “Our sympathies are with the family of the woman who sadly died in this tragic incident and everyone else affected.

"We have a duty to independently investigate in these circumstances and we will be examining the events prior to the collision to determine if appropriate policies and procedures were followed.

“We will be contacting the family of the woman who died to more fully explain our role and will keep them and the force regularly updated on our investigation.”