‘Holly has been taken from us too soon’

COLLEAGUES paid tribute last night to police community support officer Holly Burke, killed when a car being chased by officers ploughed into her Ford Fiesta.

Chief Superintendent Kenny Bell said it was “a desperately sad time for everyone who knew Holly”.

He added: “Our thoughts and condolences are with Holly’s mum and dad, family, friends and colleagues.

“There is no doubt that this tragic event will have an impact on those officers who responded and those who worked alongside her.

“Holly has been taken from us too soon and as a police family we are feeling this.”

The PCSO had only been in the job for 14 months.

West Midlands Police said Ms Burke’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by the specialist family liaison unit.

Independent Office for Police Conduct regional director Derrick Campbell said: “Our sympathies are with the family of the woman who sadly died in this tragic incident.

“We will be contacting the family to more fully explain our role and will keep them and the force regularly updated.”

West Midlands Ambulance service said police were already performing CPR when their paramedics arrived.

They added: “Ambulance staff quickly took over resuscitation efforts but sadly nothing could be done to save the woman.”