Air Ambulance transport officer from scene of deadly accident

Published on Friday 13 January 201212:00
A POLICE officer who died in a car crash was “highly regarded by her colleagues”. PC Karen Paterson, 43, of Hamilton Close, Bourne, was driving in King Street, Langtoft, at about 7.40am on Friday last week when her silver Rover 214 collided with a silver Vauxhall Corsa. Mrs Paterson, who was not on duty at the time, died at the scene. The driver of the Corsa, a 46-year-old woman from Tallington, sustained minor injuries and was taken to Peterborough City Hospital by Lincolnshire Air Ambulance. Mrs Paterson, who was born in Essex, was based at Thorpe Wood police station in Peterborough. Along with her work there, Mrs Paterson worked as a schools liaison officer at Bridge Street police station in Peterborough. She visited schools to warn youngsters of the dangers of carrying knives and guns and taught children to stay safe when using the internet. Deputy general secretary of the Cambridgeshire Police Federation, Oz Merrygold, said Mrs Paterson was a respected officer and her colleagues had been left devastated by her death. Mr Merrygold said: “The sudden and tragic death of Karen has come as a devastating shock to her work colleagues. “Karen was highly regarded by her colleagues and messages of condolence have been flooding in. “At this moment, our thoughts are with Karen’s family at this difficult time.” Mrs Paterson leaves husband David, 44, and two sons. A tribute left on the Mercury website said: “Such a tragic loss, you will be greatly missed by everyone who knew you. Thinking of David, your boys and family at this terrible time.” An inquest into Mrs Paterson’s death was opened and adjourned by coroner Gordon Ryall in Stamford on Tuesday. A post-mortem revealed she died of multiple injuries. The funeral will take place at Bourne Abbey Church on Wednesday, January 25, followed by a private cremation at Peterborough Crematorium at Marholm. Officers are appealing for anyone who witnessed the accident to get in touch with them as soon as possible. Anyone with information should dial 101, quoting incident 45 of January 6.