Police acted appropriately during a pursuit in Waltham Abbey that resulted in a fatal crash, an investigation has concluded.

The collision in Parklands happened on March 28, 2019, and involved a Vauxhall Corsa failing to stop for officers before colliding with a Vauxhall Mokka and a Range Rover.

The Corsa’s driver Jessica Ladkin – also known as Jessica Michael – was killed and the Mokka’s driver sustained life-changing injuries.

Hertfordshire Constabulary made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) which then did a six-month investigation.

It concluded there was no indication that any of the officers may have committed a criminal offence or behaved in a manner justifying disciplinary proceedings.

All officers were treated as witnesses throughout and evidence was gathered from numerous sources including radio communications, dashcam footage and statements.

An inquest jury at Chelmsford Coroners Court on Monday, September 20, returned a finding of death by road traffic collision for Ms Ladkin.

Prior to the inquest the investigation’s findings were given to family members and the coroner.

IOPC regional director Graham Beesley said: “The consequences of this incident are tragic and my thoughts are with Ms Ladkin’s family and all those who were affected by the events that evening. 

“When fatal road traffic incidents involving the police occur, it is important we establish the circumstances surrounding them.

“Having conducted a thorough investigation we found the officers’ involved followed policies and procedures during the pursuit which lasted under a minute.”