NI WOMAN DIES AFTER BEING HIT BY MOPED IN ENGLAND POLICE WERE IN PURSUIT OF BIKE
A FORMER pupil of Coleraine High School has died in England after being struck by a moped that was being ridden by a suspected drug dealer.
Lesley Bello-Hernandez (67) was crossing the road beside a doctor’s surgery at about 2.10pm on Wednesday when she was struck by the vehicle.
Local reports suggest that the police had attempted to stop the moped shortly before the fatal crash.
Ms Bello-Hernandez was treated by paramedics, but she was declared dead at the scene.
She is believed to have been from the Coleraine area, but was living in Cambridge.
Her son, Jamie Bello-Hernandez, told Cambridgeshire Live yesterday: “At the moment things are very raw.”
The 37-year-old told the website other family members had been abroad when the crash happened and he did not want to comment further until they had spoken.
“It is not something I expected I would have to write this time yesterday,” he said.
“However, I think our family would agree that she was an extremely loving and kind sister, mother and grandmother.
“She always did more than she needed for the family, so we are devastated by the loss of such a bright soul and the light of our lives. There are no words — (there’s) just heartbreak right now.
“We will not comment on the details of the terrible circumstances surrounding her death and request privacy during this difficult time.”
After the news broke, hundreds of people took to social media to pay tribute to the much-loved French teacher.
Rebecca Robinson wrote: “Such sad news. She was a lovely lady and always kind.
“Thoughts are with her family. You will terribly missed.”
Tony Langley added: “Witchford Village College folk will remember Lesley.
“She was my first and best ever French teacher.”
Natalie Welton said: “Absolutely devastating.
“An extremely lovely lady who was a good friend to my family for a long time. Our love goes out to her family.”
Police later arrested a 25-yearold man on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, aggravated vehicle taking and possession with intent to supply drugs.
A 19-year-old woman was also arrested, but she has since been released under investigation.
Officers are appealing for anyone who has dash-cam footage of the collision or who saw what happened to make themselves known to detectives.
An inquiry has been launched into the incident.
A spokesman for the Independent Office for Police Conduct said: “We were made aware of an incident that took place in Arbury Road, Cambridge, and have declared an independent investigation.”
Ms Bello-Hernandez studied languages at Royal Holloway, University of London, and later worked as a manager at the University of Cambridge.