An investigation was under way today (Monday, August 9) to discover if police were in any way involved in the death of an Abingdon schoolgirl.
Alex Wright, 13, from Ock Drive, Berinsfield
Kim Knott, 13, died at 11.30pm on Saturday (August 8) after the BMW motorbike on which she was a passenger hit a lamp-post in Wimblestraw Road, Berinsfield.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is carrying out an investigation as police were nearby when the crash took place.
Deborah Glass, IPCC commissioner for Thames Valley, said the girl's death was a great tragedy. She added: "We are investigating whether there was any interaction between the police and the motorbike that might have contributed to this fatality."
It is believed Kim's 40-year-old stepfather was driving. He was taken to hospital with serious injuries, which are not life-threatening. Her mother, Wendy Knott, lives in Quantock View, Didcot. She was too distraught to discuss the accident.
Witnesses described seeing a police car following the motorbike minutes before the accident.
Andrew Rogers, of Wimblestraw Road, said the motorcyclist was seen driving at high speeds minutes before the crash.
He said: "It was like a scene out of a film. The police were following them as they had seen them on the main road going fast. They followed them into the village."
Mr Rogers said at least 50 people crowded the street when they heard about the accident.
Alex Wright, 13, of Ock Drive, Berinsfield, who went to John Mason School in Abingdon with the girl, said she was devastated by the news.
She said: "I can't believe it. We were in the same class at school. I am really upset."
Kim lived in Ock Drive with her stepfather Paul Baker, two half-brothers, Connor, 12, Dean, 11, and two half-sisters Fay, nine, and Zoe, five.
Police worked through the night to try and establish what had caused the accident.
Mr Rogers added: "They were working until about 6am and at any one time there were about 15 vehicles parked in the street."
Simon Cousins, a senior IPCC investigator, was called to the scene on Saturday night to find out what happened.
IPCC spokesman Rachael Collins said his initial findings revealed that a police car arrived quickly at the scene and officers gave first-aid to the injured rider and pillion passenger.
She said: "An examination of control room tapes suggests they were not being pursued by police and there is no evidence that the panda car had its sirens on."
The IPCC's investigation will be reviewed in the next few days as further information comes to light.
Meanwhile, Thames Valley Police will continue to investigate the girl's death.
Witnesses are asked to contact Sgt Addie Wapner on 08458 505505 or via Crimestoppers anonymously 0800 555111.
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