Cardiff crash death police van 'not on call' when woman hit
- Published
Winifred Greaves "always had a smile on her face", her family said
A police van which hit a 93-year-old woman who later died was not responding to an incident, initial investigations have suggested.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) believes Winifred Greaves had been trying to cross Merthyr Road in Whitchurch, Cardiff.
The police van had its headlights on when the crash occurred at about 17:40 GMT on Saturday.
Mrs Greaves' family said she "always had a smile on her face".
'Great life'
In a statement they said: "Winnie was 93 years of age but retained the energy and vigour of a much younger person.
"She was born in Cardiff and as a young woman worked at the Ely Paper Mill and later as a waitress at the New Continental Restaurant.
"She was married to Cliff for 52 years until he died in 1998.
"They had a daughter and three sons, followed by 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren each of whom she loved dearly.
"Winnie had lots of friends and always had a smile on her face. She had a great life and will be sadly missed."
The crash happened on Merthyr Road in Whitchurch
Investigators have appealed for any dashcam footage to be shared with them.
South Wales Police made a mandatory referral to the IOPC which is now investigating.
Operations manager Mel Evans said: "We are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any dashcam footage to get in touch with our investigators.
"Our thoughts are with Mrs Greaves' family and friends and anyone affected by her death."
The coroner has been informed and an inquest is due to open.
- Published9 December 2018
