Penge crash deaths: Met officers in misconduct hearing

Rozanne Cooper, 34, and Makayah McDermott, 10, both died in the crash in August 2016

Two Metropolitan Police officers will be investigated for gross misconduct over a car crash in 2016 which killed a 10-year-old boy and his aunt.

PC Edward Welch and former PC Jack Keher were chasing a stolen car in Penge, south-east London, when its driver lost control, causing the car to hit a group of pedestrians.

Child actor Makayah McDermott and Rozanne Cooper, 34, died.

PC Welch was prosecuted and cleared of causing death by dangerous driving.

The driver of the stolen car, who also tested positive for drugs, was jailed for manslaughter in 2017.

• Penge chase police officer cleared of crash deaths

The misconduct hearing will hear allegations that Mr Keher, the passenger/operator in the police car, failed to assess or communicate the circumstances of the pursuit to the radio operator control room and did not challenge the nature of PC Welch's driving.

It is also alleged that PC Welch, the driver of the police vehicle, failed to assess or communicate the circumstances of the pursuit to the radio operator control room and did not adequately assess the proportionality of continuing the pursuit.

Emergency service at the scene of the crash in Lennard Road

Further allegations include that in the aftermath of the crash, the officers chose to chase the driver on foot rather than checking for casualties or getting first aid.

If the allegations are proved, PC Welch faces dismissal and Mr Keher would be dismissed if he were still a police officer.

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