IOPC launches investigation after fatal road collision in Sale

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the circumstances leading up to a fatal road traffic incident in Sale, Greater Manchester, following a short pursuit involving Greater Manchester Police officers.

We have established that shortly before 8.30pm on Sunday 3 December a police vehicle had attempted to stop a BMW driver on Homelands Road. After the initial stop, the BMW made off and collided with a parked car on Marsland Road after a short pursuit by officers, lasting approximately two minutes.

The driver of the BMW, Xena Georgiou, 20, sadly died in hospital. A male passenger remains in a critical condition with life-threatening injuries. A female passenger was taken to hospital and treated for injuries she sustained.

IOPC Regional Director Catherine Bates said: “Our thoughts are with Xena’s family and friends, and all those affected. We have been in contact with her family to explain our role, offer advice and support, and to outline the next steps of our independent investigation.

“Our investigation is still in its very early stages and it is important that we establish all of the circumstances.

“There is a mandatory requirement for forces to refer to us incidents like this which result in death or serious injury and our investigation will thoroughly examine the circumstances of the police involvement, including whether appropriate policies and procedures were followed.”

So far, we have obtained dashcam footage from the police vehicle and have been provided with body worn video and initial accounts from the officers involved.