Witness who saw woman killed by police car says she will never ‘get her out of her head’

An eyewitness who saw the devastating fatal collision that killed a 22-year-old student on Christmas Eve said she would ‘never get her out of my head’. 

Rachael Louise Moore was hit and killed by a marked police car on Sheil Road, Liverpool at around 8.10pm on Christmas Eve. 

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into the 22-year-old former student’s death, the body confirmed on December 28.

A spokesperson for the police watchdog said investigators had visited the scene and the post-incident procedures to start gathering evidence. 

Rachael Louise Moore (pictured) was struck at 8:10pm in the Kensington area of Liverpool on Christmas Eve and tragically died from her injuries

A police van and police tape cordons off Sheil Road in Kensington, Liverpool, last night after the incident

The IOPC also confirmed it was in contact with Ms Moore’s family to explain its role in the investigation.

Emergency services rushed to the busy main road following the incident but Ms Moore was confirmed to have died at the scene of her injuries. 

Merseyside Police closed Sheil Road and a number of adjoining side streets while officers carried out enquiries in the local area.

An eyewitness who was one of the first people at the scene following the crash described the devastation in the wake of the collision. 

The eyewitness, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: ‘My boyfriend’s sister in law said the woman was waiting to cross the road and had Christmas shopping bags in both hands.

‘The girl went to cross the road and out of nowhere a police car hit her. I heard a bang and ran out following my boyfriend. The police were giving her CPR but I think she was dead on impact. 

‘Seeing her lying there in the cold is something I’ll never forget. I’ll never get her out of my head – her poor family.’

People on Sheil Road at the time said the incident was ‘heartbreaking’ as it was so close to Christmas Day. 

The woman in her 20s was hit by a police car at around 8.10pm on Christmas Eve. Pictured: A police car at the junction of the road

Other emergency services were called to the scene but sadly medics could not save the woman’s life

The eyewitness said she saw ‘police picking up all the lady’s Christmas present bags off the floor’.

She added the road has been in mourning since the incident – and flowers have been ordered from florists to leave at the site of the collision. 

A police witness appeal sign currently marks where the crash happened.

In a heartbreaking tribute issued by Merseyside Police, Ms Moore’s family said she was the ‘cherished daughter of Alison and Ian, sister to Ben and much loved granddaughter of nana Sue. Partner to Jack and caring friend to many.’ 

The family, who also released a picture of Ms Moore on her university graduation, added: ‘She will be greatly missed by all those whose lives she touched. The family requests their privacy be respected at this devastating time.’

Merseyside Police confirmed the incident had been referred to the IOPC. 

Mandatory referrals are made to the IOPC should a person die or sustain serious injuries following police contact.

A spokesperson for the police watchdog said: ‘Our sympathies are with Rachael’s family and friends and to all those affected by this tragic incident. 

‘We have been in contact with the family to express our condolences and explain our role. 

‘After being notified about the incident by Merseyside Police we sent investigators to the scene and to the post incident procedures to begin gathering the available evidence. Our investigation is in its very early stages.’