Woman, 64, dies after police car crash

A woman has died following a crash involving a police car.

The 64-year-old driver of a Suzuki Celerio was seriously injured in the collision on Cleator Moor Road, Whitehaven, on Sunday morning and has now died in hospital.

The driver of the Cumbria Police vehicle, a male officer in his 20s, suffered injuries described as non-life threatening.

An investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is now under way.

An IOPC spokesperson said: "Following a referral from Cumbria Police in relation to the incident on Sunday, we declared an independent investigation this morning.

"Investigators have begun inquiries into the circumstances of the collision."

Det Ch Supt David Ashton said: "Our thoughts and condolences are with the family of the woman who has sadly died.

"The constabulary will fully support the IOPC's independent investigation into this incident to establish the full circumstances."

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