The police watchdog is investigating the death of a woman who was struck by a patrol car while riding a mobility scooter.

Jessie Whitehead, 74, was hit by the marked squad car as it responded to an emergency in Bedworth, Warwickshire, on Wednesday.

Despite the efforts of officers and paramedics she died in hospital that evening.

Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) regional director Derrick Campbell said: “We have begun an investigation into the circumstances of this tragic collision. I send my sympathies to the family and friends of Jessie Whitehead and everyone affected by the sad events.

“We have made contact with her family to explain our role. We will be speaking to a small number of members of the public who we know were at the scene, but if anyone else witnessed the collision we would be grateful if they came forward.”

Ms Whitehead’s death came a day after two young women died as a result of collisions involving police cars.

Holly Burke death
Police Community Support Officer Holly Burke died in a crash on Tuesday (PA/West Mids Police)

On Tuesday serving police community support officer Holly Burke, 28, was fatally injured by an alleged hit-and-run driver who hit her car while being chased by police.

The same day a 26-year-old refugee from Eritrea died after being hit by a police car responding to a 999 call in east London.

Ms Whitehead, who lived in Bedworth, was riding a mobility scooter near the Griffin pub on Coventry Road at around midday on Wednesday when the collision occurred.

The IOPC said: “We have established that the double-crewed police car was responding to an emergency call about a reported road safety hazard in the area.

“After being notified by Warwickshire Police, we sent investigators to the scene and police post incident procedure where initial witness accounts from officers involved have been gathered.

“We will be reviewing any relevant CCTV from nearby.”