Justice vow over police car death

Hayley Adamson was about to sit GCSE exams

The sister of a teenage girl, hit and killed by a police car in Newcastle, has vowed to win justice for her.

Hayley Adamson, 16, was struck as she crossed Newcastle's Denton Road, late on Monday night.

Troubled flared afterwards, with bricks thrown at officers who made several arrests at the scene. One man was subdued with a Taser stun gun.

Hayley's 32-year-old sister Sarah Ridley said the teenager's family will "make sure they get justice" for her.

Northumbria Police has described the incident as a tragedy and appealed for calm amongst locals, some of whom claim the marked patrol car was travelling at high speed without headlights.

But the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), which is conducting an inquiry into the incident, said the car was using headlights at the time.

However, it remains unclear whether the vehicle had its blue lights on or was using a siren.

Friends and family have laid flowers at the scene

Miss Adamson's family have set up a memorial website, which includes an emotional tribute from her sister, where the teenager was a bridesmaid at her recent wedding.

In it she says: "Hayley, darling, I am sorry. I just wish I had been there. I am missing you so much.

"You were not only my little sister, you were my best friend. You meant the world to me, John and the kids and none of us can believe you are gone.

"You looked so beautiful on my wedding day and I will never forget what you used to say about having to wear a dress but you looked gorgeous.

"I will miss you for the rest of my life and Hayley darling once again I am sorry that I was not there, I will make sure we get justice for you."

Northumbria Police said the driver of the patrol car had been removed from operational duties involving police vehicles, but was still working as a police officer on office duties.

Miss Adamson, who lived with her mother in Cedar Road in Fenham, Newcastle, and who celebrated her 16th birthday in March, was due to sit her GCSE English exam on Tuesday.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the scene.

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