Student Killed
An Oxford Brookes student tragically died in the early hours of Monday morning, after being knocked down by a marked police car answering an emergency call in Cowley.
Emily Higson was hit by the vehicle at 11.35pm on Sunday on Cowley Road, near to the junction with Divinity Road. She died of multiple injuries at the John Radcliffe Hospital shortly before 3am the next day.
According to Thames Valley Police the officers in the car, a man and a woman, attempted to help the 22 year-old before the ambulance arrived. However video footage of the aftermath shows members of the public trying to help the injured student while an onlooker is restrained by one of the officers.
Oxford Police spokesperson Lucy Ferguson confirmed that a 36 year-old local man was arrested for allegedly assaulting a WPC who was trying to give first aid, but Mohammed Ali, owner of Al-Mumbai restaurant on Cowley Road, has heavily criticised the police's handling of the event.
He told The OxStu: "The most horrific thing was how the officers weren't concerned about the girl. They were too busy holding down this guy, who was just shocked about what was happening. Everyone was angry."
Photo: Will Wittels
Staff and customers of Al-Mumbai ran out of the restaurant after hearing the crash, which was apparently so loud that it could be heard over the party music.
"There are accidents and there are big accidents; this was horrific," he said. "There were tears in my eyes and I was haunted all night by this. It was an unbelievable disaster."
Miss Higson, who studied sociology and anthropology, was living in Cowley for her final year at Brookes University. Her family travelled down from their home in York after the accident occurred and have spoken of their devastation at the loss of Emily, "a dearly loved daughter, sister and friend" who "touched the lives of all those she met."
"We are devastated to have lost a wonderful, generous and gifted young woman who stood at the gateway of her adult life. But we give thanks for the privileges of knowing her and sharing her life."
Professor Derek Elsom, Dean of the School of Social Sciences and Law at Brookes, spoke of the University's sadness. He said: "Emily will be a great loss to the whole community of Oxford Brookes. She was a popular student who was keen to help her friends as well as being very able academically."
Friends and mourners have laid flowers at the scene of the accident, with messages such as: "You will always be missed."
Circumstances of the incident are being investigated by the Police Complaints Authority in line with Force policy. Any witnesses are urged to contact the police by ringing the free and confidential Crimestoppers service on 0800 555 111.
Authority member Mr Marcus Williams said: "Our condolences go to the young woman's family at this sad time. I will ensure that the Thames Valley Police inquiry is carried out fully and fairly on behalf of H M Coroner."
13th Nov 2003