Inquiry over motorbike death

The Independent Police Complaints Commission has been informed

Thames Valley Police is being investigated after a 13-year-old riding pillion on a motorbike was killed when the cycle hit a lamppost.

Relatives have named Kim Baker as the young victim who died when the BMW bike ridden by her step-father, Paul Baker, crashed in Berinsfield, Oxfordshire.

Mr Baker, 40, suffered serious injuries but they are not life-threatening.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission was informed to investigate whether police were chasing the pair.

We are investigating whether there was any interaction between the police and the motorbike that might have contributed to this fatality Deborah Glass, IPCC Commissioner for Thames Valley

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: "As a result of this it would be inappropriate for Thames Valley Police to make any further comment."

Kim's mother, Wendy Knott, said: "All I know is that there was an accident and she was killed outright".

Floral tributes have been laid at the crash scene in Berinssfield, where Kim lived.

Her uncle, Steve Brook, who was at the site, said she always looked after her family.

He said: "She was mature for her age - she was 13 going on 30."

One tribute note said: "You had your whole life to lead but was taken from us suddenly.

"You will be forever in everyone's hearts."

Another read: "Kim has now gone to heaven and will be missed by her cousins".

'Reassure the public'

A spokesperson for the IPCC said an initial investigation of the crash suggested a police panda car arrived quickly at the scene, where officers gave first aid to the riders.

He said: "An examination of control room tapes suggests there does not appear to have been a police pursuit and there is no evidence that the panda car had its sirens on.

"However, until these facts can be fully established, Deborah Glass [the IPCC Commissioner for Thames Valley] has decided that the IPCC will manage an investigation into the circumstances of the police presence in the area in order to reassure the public.

"This decision will be reviewed as further information comes to light over the next few days."

Ms Glass said: "We are investigating whether there was any interaction between the police and the motorbike that might have contributed to this fatality."

The criminal investigation into the girl's death will continue to be carried out by Thames Valley Police.