Watchdog inquiry into Greater Manchester Police chase crash death

Police tried to stop the BMW which later hit a parked car in Sale

An investigation has been launched after a woman died in a car crash following a police chase.

Xena Georgiou, 20, died in hospital after the BMW she was driving hit a parked car in Sale, Greater Manchester, on Sunday evening.

A spokesman for the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it was investigating the circumstances leading up to the incident.

It added the crash followed a short police pursuit.

The spokesman said it established that shortly before 20:30 GMT a Greater Manchester Police vehicle attempted to stop the BMW, which made off after the initial stop and then hit a parked car on Marsland Road.

The crash came after a two-minute chase, he added.

A male passenger was left in a critical condition with life-threatening injuries while a female passenger was treated in hospital for her injuries, the IOPC said.

IOPC regional director Catherine Bates said: "Our thoughts are with Xena's family and friends, and all those affected. We have been in contact with her family to explain our role, offer advice and support, and to outline the next steps of our independent investigation.

"Our investigation is still in its very early stages and it is important that we establish all of the circumstances.

"There is a mandatory requirement for forces to refer to us incidents like this which result in death or serious injury and our investigation will thoroughly examine the circumstances."

The watchdog said it had obtained dashcam footage from the police vehicle, as well as body-worn video and initial accounts from the officers involved.

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