A Kings Norton man will appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court today (24th January) on charges relating to a fatal collision in Bearwood on Tuesday (22nd January).
Sadly, a young West Midlands Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) was killed in the accident.
The collision happened at around 11.30pm on Tuesday on Lordswood Road at the junction with Hagley Road.
Failed to stop
A speeding Renault Scenic had failed to stop for officers in Erdington. After a 15 minute pursuit, a stinger was deployed on Bearwood Road. However, the driver continued at speed and the Renault collided with off-duty Holly Burke’s car.
Despite the best efforts of police and medical professionals, 28 year old Holly, a PCSO in Washwood Heath, sadly died at the scene.
Charged
42 year old Kings Norton man Darren Ogom has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without a licence, driving with no insurance and failing to stop for a police officer.
The incident is being investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Tributes: ‘always smiling’
While Holly’s family are being supported by specialist officers, colleagues, those who worked alongside her and others have been paying tribute to the PCSO who “always had a smile on her face”.
Chief Superintendent Kenny Bell, commander at Birmingham East neighbourhood policing unit, said: “This is a desperately sad time for everyone who knew Holly and our thoughts and condolences are with Holly’s mum and dad, family, friends and colleagues.
“There is no doubt that this tragic event will have an impact on those officers who responded and those who worked alongside her. Holly has been taken from us too soon and as a police family we are feeling this.”
Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said: “The loss of PCSO Holly Burke is truly tragic. She was greatly valued by West Midlands Police and the communities which she served. My thoughts are with Holly’s family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time.”
A terrible day for all @WMPolice a huge loss to the force and her local neighbourhood. This is nothing compared to the heart break for her family. https://t.co/x0q0xWzbn4
— Dave Thompson (@DaveThompsonCC) January 23, 2019
Absolutely heartbreaking news, condolences to all the family and friends as well as @WashwoodWMP She was with us @AlumRockCF on Sunday evening on #streetpatrol on Alum Rock Rd, always had a smile on her face, a credit to her profession. RIP Holly pic.twitter.com/l7sOQ5gFzE
— Wajid Hussain (@MrWajidHussain) January 23, 2019
Our condolences go out to Holly’s family, friends and work colleagues for their loss at this sad time. She attended many events with us. ??? pic.twitter.com/gBoupcKhQd
— Ward End Fire (@WardEndFire) January 23, 2019
A tragic waste of life!
Condolences to her family – seems a great pity that someone trying to make the community a better place through volunteering should be killed by this obnoxious scumbag, who will probably end up with a few years in prison and won’t care a damn about the personal devastation he has left behind.
I worked with Holly when she was about 18 for a good few years! She was a delightful girl… full of life and ambition! Loved singing and performing and always made everyone laugh!!
Feel very sad to see that her life was cut short just as she seemed to have found something she enjoyed doing and was trying to do her bit to make Birmingham safer.
It’s hard when you see news like this but harder when you know the person was perfoundly good and had a full and exciting life ahead of her!
RIP Holly! Sorry, we didn’t get to see what you could achieve!!!
Love to the Burke family and all her friends! My thoughts are with you!