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Van crash leads to officer death

Kathryn Ryan
17/ 1/2008

BURY’S new police chief has paid tribute to a police officer who was killed in a road accident.

PC Christopher Hart, 40, a response officer based in Bury, died after the police van he was driving was involved in a road collision in Openshaw, Manchester on Saturday, January 12.

Bury divisional commander, chief superintendent, Jon Rush, said: "This is a tragic incident that has claimed the life of a dedicated serving officer and a well-loved father. Chris joined the force just over four years ago and since then had developed into a highly professional and motivated officer.

"Chris was brought up within the Bury area and was serving his community when he died.

"It was a job that he loved and he was well known and respected for the enthusiastic and passionate way he policed the community."

Chris’ parents, Dorothy and Michael Hart who live in Ulverston, Cumbria, said: "Chris was a real outdoor type with a passion for fishing, for which he won many trophies.

"Chris passed these skills on to his six-year-old son. He had a strong and loving relationship with him and Chris will be greatly missed by his family and colleagues."

Chris was responding to an incident when his police van collided with a Volkswagen Polo, turned on its side and came to rest against a set of traffic lights.

He suffered serious head injuries and died at the scene.

His passenger, a male police officer, and the three people in the VW Polo suffered minor injuries and were taken to hospital. Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to call the Area 2 road policing team on: 0161 856 3572.