Tributes paid to mom killed in tragic police chase crash on M25

Tributes have been paid to a mom who was tragically killed in a police chase crash occurring on the M25 at round 4AM on Sunday which additionally left one other man lifeless.

Zoe Hawes, from Canvey Island who was a mom and a grandmother, was travelling to go on vacation to have fun her fortieth birthday when she was killed within the horrific crash on the M25 between junction 22 and 21A close to St Albans

Officers had been in pursuit of a stolen white Citroen van which was then concerned in a collision with three different autos, together with the car that Zoe was in.

However, no police autos have been concerned within the collision and the pursuit had been stood down previous to the collision. 

A person in his twenties has been arrested on suspicion of inflicting loss of life by harmful driving. 

In a tribute, Zoe’s household stated:

‘Zoe was the center of our blended household. She was a job mannequin to everybody and the centre of our household. 

‘She was a really a lot liked mum, step-mum, sister, aunt and wonderful younger nanna.

‘She was a pal to many. She was very a lot trying to go on vacation to have fun her fortieth together with her husband. 

‘Sadly a vacation and birthday she did not get to have fun. We are all attempting to drag collectively as a household and are devastated to lose Zoe on this tragic method.

‘We would not have modified her for the world and he or she leaves an infinite gap in our household that can by no means be crammed.

‘We love you and can miss you without end xx’

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the involvement of Hertfordshire cops earlier than a crash on the M25 the place two folks died.

Police in a marked car had been following a stolen white Citroen Dispatch on the M1 at twenty-to-four final Sunday morning.

The officers activated their car’s lights and sirens in an try to cease the motive force of the van. After it did not cease, officers initiated a pursuit which was deserted as a result of the danger of continuous was thought of too excessive.

There was a subsequent pursuit of the van shortly earlier than 4am on Breakspear Way, Hemel Hempstead, which was deserted a couple of minutes later.

A short while later the van was seen by a police officer travelling on the mistaken aspect of the M25. 

The officer adopted the van on the proper aspect of the highway however didn’t activate the car’s lights or sirens.

At roughly 4.08am, the van was concerned in a collision with different autos on the M25 between junctions 21a and 22 (Watford and St Albans).

Two folks died on account of that collision. The driver of the van was taken to hospital the place they continue to be in a critical situation. A legal investigation into the deadly crash is being carried out by Essex Police.

IOPC investigators went to the crash scene and the police post-incident process the place the officers concerned supplied their preliminary accounts.

The IOPC stated: ‘We are gathering and reviewing proof as we piece collectively the circumstances surrounding this incident. 

‘This consists of securing and reviewing police dashcam footage and officers’ body-worn video footage, acquiring motorway CCTV and reviewing police name logs and radio transmissions. ‘

IOPC Regional Director Charmaine Arbouin stated: ‘Our ideas are with all these affected by this tragic incident. 

‘Given that cops have been pursuing one of many autos earlier than the deadly collision, it is necessary that we independently examine the actions and decision-making of the officers concerned.

‘We will be sure that our enquiries don’t impede the police investigation, and we’ll maintain these concerned commonly up to date.’

Hertfordshire police stated they’re interesting for witnesses, info and sprint cam footage.

Four autos have been concerned – the white Citroen Dispatch van, a silver DFSK 580 Glory, a silver Skoda Superb and a black Peugeot 5008.

They stated a person in his twenties has been arrested on suspicion of inflicting loss of life by harmful driving.

Detective Inspector Mark Fraser, from Essex Police, stated: ‘Our ideas are with the family members of those that misplaced their lives on this collision.

‘I’m interesting for any witnesses or anybody with info to get in contact.

‘Did you see what occurred or the occasions main as much as the collision? Please do not hesitate to get in contact in case you might help.

‘I additionally need to ask any dashcam house owners who have been driving within the space to test it and get in contact in case you spot one thing which may assist us.’

Anyone with info concerning the incident is being inspired to come back ahead by contacting the police on 999 or by emailing Essex Police at [email protected].