M25 TRAGEDY
M25 crash: How mum-of-eight, 40, died when ‘stolen’ van ploughed head-on into her car on M25 after 10-mile cop chase
Cops saw a white Citroen Dispatch van travelling on the wrong side of the motorway shortly before the fatal collision
A MUM-of-eight died in a horror crash after cops chased and lost a 'stolen' van three times.
Gran Zoe Hawes, 40, from Canvey Island, was killed when the van, which was driving on the wrong side of the M25, ploughed into her car at 4am on February 4.
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She was on her way to a holiday to celebrate her 40th birthday when the van ploughed into three cars.
It came just moments after cops launched a third pursuit of the Citroen Dispatch van.
The force watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), has now launched a probe.
STOLEN VAN
Cops initially spotted a white Citroen Dispatch van travelling on the M1 which had been reported stolen at 3.40am.
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Shortly afterwards the officers switched on the blue lights and sirens of their vehicle in an attempt to stop the driver of the van, according to the IOPC.
The cops began a chase of the vehicle after the driver failed to stop but it was called off after the officers thought it was too risky to continue.
Another pursuit of the van got underway shortly before 4am on Breakspear Way but this was also abandoned a few minutes later.
The van was then later spotted by a police officer travelling on the wrong side of the M25.
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The officer followed the van on the correct side of the road but did not switch on the vehicle’s lights or sirens.
TWO PEOPLE DEAD
At around 4.08am the van was involved in a collision with other vehicles on the M25 between junctions 21a and 22, killing two people, including Zoe.
The driver of the van was taken to hospital where they are thought to be in a serious condition.
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A man in his twenties has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
A criminal investigation into the fatal crash is being carried out by Essex Police.
Investigators from the IOPC are gathering and reviewing evidence as they piece together the circumstances surrounding the incident.
IOPC Regional Director Charmaine Arbouin said: “Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic incident.
"Given that police officers were pursuing one of the vehicles before the fatal collision, it’s important that we independently investigate the actions and decision-making of the officers involved.
“We will ensure that our enquiries do not impede the police investigation, and we will keep those involved regularly updated.”
FAMILY TRIBUTE
Zoe's grieving family said in a tribute: “Zoe was the heart of our blended family. She was a role model to everyone and the centre of our family.
“She was a very much loved mum, step-mum, sister, aunt and lovely young nanna.
“She was a friend to many. She was very much looking to go on holiday to celebrate her 40th with her husband.
“Sadly a holiday and birthday she didn't get to celebrate. We are all trying to pull together as a family and are devastated to lose Zoe in this tragic way.
“We wouldn't have changed her for the world and she leaves an enormous hole in our family that will never be filled.
“We love you and will miss you forever.”
A page has now been set up by friends to raise funds for her funeral.
APPEAL FOR WITNESSES
Detective Inspector Mark Fraser, from Essex Police, said: “Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those who lost their lives in this collision.
“I am appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to get in touch.
“Did you see what happened or the events leading up to the collision? Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you can help.
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“I also want to ask any dashcam owners who were driving in the area to check it and get in touch if you spot something that might help us.”
Anyone with information regarding the incident is being encouraged to come forward by contacting the police on 999 or by emailing Essex Police at [email protected].
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