'Shockwaves' after nurse killed by teenage driver in police car chase
Colleagues of a nurse who had been hit by a car on her way home from work fought to save her life, but she died of her injuries in the hospital where she worked.
Jill Pirrie, 33, was a theatre nurse at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary (ERI) and the mother of a five-year-old boy.
Ms Pirrie was hit by a car, which was being chased by police, as she walked home from a shift at 8pm on May 12.
Four teenage boys have now been traced by police and the driver, who is reportedly 14, is being treated at ERI.
NHS Lothian chief officer of acute services Jim Crombie said: ‘We are deeply saddened and shocked by this truly tragic incident and our thoughts and sympathies are with Jill's family at this sad time.
‘Jill was a talented, well liked and respected member of our theatre team and her colleagues and friends are devastated. The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh is a close-knit community and this has sent shockwaves through the site.’
Mr Crombie said the hospital would continue to provide support to relatives and staff in the aftermath of the tragedy.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said that the collison involved a silver Ford Ka: ‘The police vehicle had activated its blue lights and siren after the Ford Ka, travelling northbound, failed to stop when signalled to do so by officers.’
Ms Pirrie’s family have released this statement through Police Scotland: ‘Jill was a loving mother, daughter, partner and friend who will be hugely missed by the many who knew and loved her.
‘She was well known for her great sense of humour and no words can express the void that is left as a result of this tragedy.’
A fund has been set up by her friends and colleagues for Ms Pirrie's son and it had raised more than £7,000 at the time of writing.
The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner will now conduct an independent investigation.
In the past year two senior police officers have warned of the dangers of police chases, according to the Edinburgh Evening News.
One, superintendent Alan Porte who led Police Scotland’s Operation RAC, which targets vehicle theft, reportedly said last year that if a police chase resulted in a fatal accident inquiry ‘it would find my decision to chase underage teenagers without driving licences indefensible’.
Edinburgh divisional commander chief superintendent Kenny Macdonald said: ‘Our sincere condolences are with Jill's family and friends at this tragic time, and we will utilise all resources at our disposal to investigate this collision.’
He appealed for witnesses to contact Police Scotland on 101 or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.