Woman who died after police car crash is named

Sharron Hall was described as a "special, caring woman" who would give her help willingly

A woman who died with her dog following a crash involving a police car has been named.

Grandmother Sharron Hall, 64, was driving a Suzuki Celerio when it was involved in the crash in Cleator Moor Road, Whitehaven, at about 07:50 GMT on 19 January.

Ms Hall, who died in hospital the next day, has been described by her family as a "special, caring woman who would give her help willingly to anyone who asked for it".

A police officer has been informed they will be subject to a criminal investigation and are under internal investigation for potential gross misconduct, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said.

This does not necessarily mean any proceedings will follow as it will depend on the evidence established from the investigation, the IOPC said.

An initial investigation found three officers had been responding to an emergency call and travelling in separate vehicles at the same time Ms Hall was driving.

The second police vehicle, a Peugeot 308 estate, collided with Ms Hall's car.

Cumbria Police has been approached for comment.

'Sorely missed'

Ms Hall had worked at Howgill Family Centre in Cleator Moor for more than 20 years, "which she loved", her family said in a statement.

"She was a keen animal lover and you very rarely saw her without her little dog Jack, who also sadly passed away in the collision," they said..

"She had a full and joyful life which was full of love and she will be sorely missed by her family and friends, especially by her four children, Andrew, Samantha, Mark and Tracy."

The IOPC said it had offered Ms Hall's family support and had outlined the next steps of the investigation.

"There is a mandatory requirement for forces to refer to us incidents like this, which result in death or serious injury," director of engagement Amanda Rowe said.

"Our investigation will thoroughly examine the circumstances of the police involvement."