Tragic young police officer killed after being struck by lorry on motorway

A “HAPPY, dedicated and positive” young police officer died when a lorry ran her while she was checking her car after an accident.

Samantha Derbyshire died on the M61 motorway after stepping out of her car to check for damage from a bump into the central reservation.

The Special Constable for Greater Manchester Police was struck by a passing HGV at around 3:30am between junction 4 and 5.

Investigators are appealing to the public for more information.

She was also such a funny, clever and amazing friend, but also a fantastic, enthusiastic Special Constable, which she worked so hard to achieve

Meanwhile, friends, family and colleagues have been paying tribute to the “enthusiastic” young woman who only recently had been signed up to become a fully-fledged constable.

Her family said in a statement: “Sam was our fun-loving, beautiful, amazing daughter, sister, granddaughter, and niece.

“She was also such a funny, clever and amazing friend, but also a fantastic, enthusiastic Special Constable, which she worked so hard to achieve.

“She was a very social person and enjoyed keeping fit.

“She had just completed the Great Manchester Run.

“Sam was a Special Constable for Greater Manchester Police.

“She was so proud of this and loved it.

“She had recently been informed that she had passed her entry tests and had been accepted to join GMP as a constable later this year.

“She was so looking forward to this; it is all she has ever wanted to do.

“We as a family are devastated by what has happened to Sam and couldn’t be any more proud of her.

“She was better than all of us and lived her life to the full every day.

“We will miss her greatly.”

Chief Inspector Mike Walmsley, of GMP’s Special Constabulary, revealed SC Derbyshire made her first arrest hours into her first shift on duty.

“Sam was passionate about working in the police and making a real difference in the communities she loved to serve”, he said.

Meanwhile, Chief Constable Ian Hopkins wrote a heart-wrenching tribute.

“I am so proud of Sam and what she has achieved”, he said.

Sam was passionate about working in the police and making a real difference in the communities she loved to serve

“On behalf of her Specials family I would like to say it was the biggest pleasure to get to know you and work alongside you.

“Sleep tight beautiful, love and miss you always.”

Forces from around the country also paid their respects to SC Derbyshire.

The Twitter account of Suffolk Special Constables said: “Our thoughts are with SC Derbyshire’s family, friends and colleagues.

“The #ThinBlueLine stands with you all!”

Special Constables from neighbouring Cheshire posted an image of a bright star and said: “Sorry to hear about SC Derbyshire from Bolton Division who died this morning.

“Condolences from Cheshire”.

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