FATAL CRASH ON CENTRAL COAST SPARKS CRITICAL INCIDENT INVESTIGATION

A motorcyclist has died after colliding with a police vehicle on the Central Coast, sparking a critical incident investigation.

At around 2.30am this morning, an officer from Tuggerah Lakes Police District saw the biker riding along the Motorway Link, on the wrong side of the road.

The officer signalled for the rider to stop, however he continued on Blue Haven way, the officer followed.

Soon after there was a collision involving the two vehicles.

The rider, a 28-year-old man from the Central Coast, died at the scene.

The officer was taken to Wyong Hospital for mandatory testing.

Superindendent John Gralton says it’s too early to know exactly what happened.

“It’s too early to speculate but the Crash Investigation Unit are investigating the circumstances of the incident.”

That investigation will be subject to an independent review by the NSW Police Force Professional Standards command, with additional oversight from the Law Enforcement Standards Commission.

“The matter will be dealt with without prejudice and the matter will be handed to the coroner,” said Superindendent Gralton.

“My thoughts and sympathies are with both the family of the deceased man and the law enforcement officer involved in this traumatic incident.”

“We have a number of witnesses which are assisting the inquiry, but if there are any more out there please come forward.”

The police officer involved in the incident is a Sergeant at Tuggerah Lakes Command and is described as being a ‘professional, ethical and well respected police officer.

“He’s doing it a bit tough,” said Superindent Gralton, “I’ve spoken with his wife and he’ll take a day off now and we will make sure his welfare is paramount.”

“Some very difficult circumstances being out there on his own and he was just doing his job.”

Blue Haven Way was closed to traffic for several hours this morning, it’s since been re-open to traffic.