Family of woman killed by police van launch legal action

Margaret McCarron died in hospital after being struck by marked police van

The family of a woman killed after being hit by a police van in Motherwell are bringing legal action against Police Scotland.

Margaret McCarron, 58, died in hospital after being hit by the marked Ford Transit on the town’s Merry Street in September 2021.

Officer Jamie Hamill was later charged in connection with the incident, while the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc) launched an investigation.

Mrs McCarron’s children have now brought a case before the Court of Session.

In a statement issued through lawyers’ Digby Brown, they said “aspects of the incident remain unclear”.

Police Scotland previously said the van was on routine duties at the time and did not have either blue lights or sirens active.

Mrs McCarron’s children said they hoped the action would provide them with answers and allow them closure over their mother’s death.

They said: “Every day we have mourned the loss of our mum however we continue to try and keep her memory alive by living with the kindness, warmth and positivity she shared with those around her.

“There have been aspects of the incident which, for us, remain unclear so we hope a civil action will help deliver answers so we may finally be able to process everything, heal and move forwards.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said Mr Hamill, 32, had been placed on restricted duties.

He made no plea at Hamilton Sheriff Court in April last year and was released on bail.

The case was continued for further examination. Pirc has been contacted for comment.