Inquest Concludes After Tragic Accident Claims Life Of Harborough Woman

Call handlers have been given extra training following a tragic accident that claimed the life of a Market Harborough woman, who was struck by a police van – the driver of which was searching for her.

An inquest jury has concluded Helen Loveday’s death in Norfolk last year was an accident.

Helen Loveday

The hearing heard officers in the van were unaware of a call made to Police giving her exact location.

Ms Loveday, 52, who worked as a volunteer at the Rainbows charity shop in Market Harborough, died in hospital, following the accident on an unlit country road in July last year.

Concerns had been raised about  her after she left her sister’s house indicating she might harm herself.

Norfolk Police say the tragedy was unavoidable.

A spokesman told Hfm: “This has been a difficult case for all involved and our thoughts remain with Ms Loveday’s family and friends.

Ms Loveday lost her life in the most tragic of circumstances. The very two officers responding to the 999 call found themselves in the most inconceivable of situations; involved in the death of someone they were trying to help.

Independent collision investigators concluded the collision was unavoidable and that the officer driving had acted appropriately in the circumstances.

Our thoughts remain with Ms Loveday’s family and friends.