Investigation Underway After Police Car Crash Tragedy
The police watchdog will investigate the death of a student who was killed today after being hit by a police car.
Jamie Haslett, 19, from the Isle of Man, was hit by a South Yorkshire Police patrol car on Broad Lane in Sheffield in the early hours.
The car was responding to a request by an ambulance crew for assistance with another incident.
South Yorkshire Police referred the crash to the Independent Police Complaints Commission which will now investigate, a spokesman said.
Mr Haslett was studying at Sheffield Hallam University.
IPCC Commissioner Nicholas Long said: "My thoughts are with Jamie's family at this incredibly difficult time.
"Our investigators have met with them and have begun the work to examine all the circumstances surrounding the incident in the hope that we can identify how and why this tragedy happened."
A spokeswoman for Sheffield Hallam University said: "We are sad to confirm that one of our students, Jamie Haslett, died this morning in a road traffic incident on Broad Lane, Sheffield.
"Jamie was in his second year, studying BSc (Hons) Sport and Business Management.
"He will be sadly missed and our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time."
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Nicky Meese from law firm Irwin Mitchell specialist road collision team said: “The police, of course, have a very difficult job to do and must respond quickly to emergencies. But it is paramount that it is done in the safest way possible so that no members of the public are placed in danger.
“The circumstances of this tragic road traffic collision are currently unclear but we hope a swift and comprehensive enquiry will provide answers for the family of Mr Haslett.
“Our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time.”