A police watchdog has begun an investigation into a crash between a police car on a responding to a 999 call and a motorbike – as it was revealed the pillion passenger has since died.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed it is looking into the circumstances surrounding the collision on Dunston Bank in Gateshead on Friday, July 8.

An IOPC spokesperson said: “We began our investigation following a mandatory referral on July 11 from Northumbria Police, who notified us that a police car had been involved in a collision with a motorbike just after 3pm on Friday 8 July.

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“The information we have gathered so far indicates the officer involved was responding to an emergency call at the time and travelling with his blue lights on down the A1 flyover exit slip road onto Dunston Road near the MetroCentre.

"Sadly, the female passenger on the motorbike, Muriel Pinkney, 74, died in hospital on Sunday (17 July). The rider of the motorbike, 77, was seriously injured and remains in hospital."

IOPC Regional Director Thea Walton said: “Our thoughts are with (the) family and friends, and all those affected by this tragic incident. We have contacted her family to explain our role and how our inquiries will progress.

“It is important in situations like this that there is a thorough and independent investigation to understand the circumstances that led to this happening. This will include looking at whether appropriate policies and procedures were followed.”

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Firstly our thoughts and condolences go to those affected by this tragic incident.

"As a Force, we have referred this incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), as per standard protocol, which has now launched an investigation.

"While this is carried out, it would be inappropriate for us to comment any further at this time.”

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