Woman dies after being hit by Duchess of Edinburgh police escort motorcycle

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A woman has died after being hit by a motorcycle that was part of a police escort for Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed.

Helen Holland, 81, was struck on West Cromwell Road and Warwick Road in Earl’s Court on the afternoon of 10 May.

In comments carried by the BBC, her son Martin said she died after sustaining “multiple broken bones and massive internal injuries”.

He said she fought “for her life for nearly two weeks … but irreversible damage to her brain finally ended the battle today”.

He said she was using the “safe route of [a] pedestrian crossing” when she was struck by the motorcycle.

The IOPC has been investigating the incident. On 19 May it appealed for witnesses and said CCTV had been taken from nearby properties for examination.

The IOPC regional director Amanda Rowe said on 19 May: “Our thoughts are with the woman, who has sustained life-threatening injuries, and her family.

“We have been in touch with them to explain our role and will keep them regularly updated as the investigation progresses.”

A previous statement from Buckingham Palace said: “The duchess’s heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the injured lady and her family.

“She is grateful for the swift response by the emergency services and will keep abreast of developments.”

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