THE wife of a US diplomat has left the UK after becoming a suspect in the police investigation into a fatal road crash.
Harry Dunn, 19, of Charlton, Banbury, died after his motorbike collided with a car near RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire on August 27.
Northamptonshire police confirmed that a 42-year-old American woman being treated as a suspect in their investigations has left the country.
ALSO READ: Tributes to Harry Dunn, 19, after fatal crash in Croughton
Superintendent Sarah Johnson said: "Northamptonshire Police followed all of its usual procedures following the incident, including liaising closely with the suspect, who engaged fully with us at the time and had previously confirmed to us that she had no plans to leave the country in the near future.
"Due process was also followed in seeking the necessary documentation to allow for the arrest and formal interview of the suspect, and the force is now exploring all opportunities through diplomatic channels to ensure that the investigation continues to progress.
"We are also working closely with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in an effort to come to a resolution regarding this matter.
"Harry Dunn's family deserve justice and in order to achieve this, a full and thorough investigation, with the assistance of all parties involved, needs to take place.
"Northamptonshire Police is committed to ensuring justice for Harry and specially trained officers continue to support the Dunn family in their loss, including keeping them fully informed of all developments in the investigation."
Mr Dunn's mother Charlotte Charles said: "We are utterly devastated by Harry's loss. He was such a precious young man who was loved by all who knew him.
"Our lives have been shattered."
Upon hearing the news that the suspect had left the country, she added: "We are totally deprived of the ability to grieve and our lives are now painfully on hold."
Mr Dunn's dad Tim Dunn added: "My son was taken from us at such a tender age doing what he loved doing most in life."
A crowdfunding webpage has been set up to provide support to Mr Dunn's family, including his twin brother Niall.
The gofundme page, that has so far raised just over £1,000, says Mr Dunn was an avid fan of Northampton Town football club whose "love for his family and friends... outshone everything and made him the caring and loving young man he was".
ALSO READ: Woman must pay back council tax after illegal discount claim
Family spokesman Radd Seiger said that Mr Dunn's family were "utterly devastated" and "not coping well at all" following the teenager's death.
He added: "If that weren't bad enough they now have a situation not of their making where the American government has whisked this American citizen back to the US before they could get some justice."
In a statement, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: "I wish to offer my condolences to the family affected by this tragic incident.
"I have called the US Ambassador to express the UK's disappointment with their decision, and to urge the Embassy to re-consider it."
ALSO READ: Man admits repeatedly flouting court order by stealing from parents
In its own statement provided to Sky News, the US Embassy in London offered its "deepest sympathies" to Mr Dunn's family following the accident "involving a vehicle driven by the spouse of a US diplomat assigned to the United Kingdom".
It added: "Embassy officials are in close contact with the appropriate British officials on this matter.
"Due to security and privacy considerations, we cannot confirm the identity of the individuals involved, but we can confirm the family has left the UK."
To donate to the fundraising page click here
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel