Cop who investigated fatal A590 crashes calls for compassion

In his role as Road Death Lead Investigation Officer, Sergeant Lee Hill is tasked with coordinating the police response to fatal collisions on the county's roads.

With the A590 providing a vital route through South Cumbria the decision to close the road will undoubtedly be a source of frustration for motorists forced to use lengthy diversions.

Sgt Hill and his team do not take such decisions lightly, as he explained, and is only ever done in the most tragic of circumstances.

"With every minute that passes after a collision, and with every person who moves about within the scene, the available reliable evidence starts to reduce," he said.

"Whilst we will gladly sacrifice evidence for the medical treatment of casualties, once everyone is safe then we must limit the loss of evidence. The best way to stop the loss of evidence is to secure the scene and prevent access."

Given the spread of police resources it can be up to an hour after a collision and a fatality is confirmed before a specially-trained Road Death Lead Investigating Officer arrives at the scene.

"Whilst the safety of emergency staff and treatment of casualties is our first priority we must then consider an investigation," Sgt Hill said.

"Until all the facts are known, someone involved may have committed an offence and we have to proceed, mindful that in 18 months there may be a Crown Court case where the conviction of a potential offender depends on the evidence we obtain now at the scene."

Sgt Hill witnesses firsthand the frustration of motorists caught up in the chaos. But he provided a sobering perspective to consider when faced with the prospect of a lengthy diversion.

"It is our responsibility to investigate the collision fully and a delay to a motorist's journey is a small price to pay to ensure that we conduct the most thorough investigation possible on behalf of the courts, the coroner and the family of the deceased person," he said.