A Metropolitan Police officer who was described as “the life and soul of the room” will have his death investigated by a jury, an inquest has heard.
PC Chris Miller, 35, was killed in a motorbike crash on September 15, 2020, whilst he was commuting into work.
Emergency services were called to the scene on Woodford New Road in Redbridge in the early hours of the morning, but despite their best efforts, he was pronounced dead at 5:09am.
In a pre-inquest review on Wednesday (January 26), Assistant Coroner Dr Shirley Radcliffe ruled that the circumstances around his death would be examined in front of a jury.
It was heard that on the day of PC Miller’s tragic death, road works were in place on Woodford New Road that impacted the accessibility of the cycle lane.
READ MORE:Jewish men rushed to hospital after ‘horrible attack’ on eve of Holocaust Memorial Day
Analysis from the forensic collision investigator also showed that PC Miller had hit an orca, a type of rubber separator that discourages drivers from entering cycle lanes.
A representative from the Health and Safety Executive said that his death was being treated as “work-related” due to the ongoing roadworks taking place at the location he was killed.
A national police safety review in England and Wales showed that a total of 39 officers were killed in road accidents between 2008 and 2019 whilst travelling to and from work.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council has commissioned research including whether this increase is linked to shift work.
Following his death, a number of tributes were posted in his memory, describing him as an “excellent” officer who had been attached to the Diplomatic and Parliamentary Protection Command Unit.
A close friend had tweeted: “Chris. You will be sadly missed my friend. You kept me positive when I had my own personal problems. Always had banter in our locker room. You will be sorely missed. My deepest condolences to your family. You’ll never be forgotten brother.”
Another described him as “the life and soul of the room” as well wishes flooded in for his family.
Police commissioner Cressida Dick said: “I am very saddened to hear of the death of Chris Miller.
“Chris was an excellent and highly skilled police officer.
“He will be missed by many, especially those based at Ilford and Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection.
Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Commander Jane Johnson added: “Chris was a police officer, a fitness fanatic and a motorcycle enthusiast.
“He joined the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command last year and made an instant impact on those around him.
Do you want to stay up to date with the latest news, views, features and opinion from across the city?
MyLondon’s brilliant newsletter The 12 is absolutely jam packed with all the latest to keep you keep you entertained, informed and uplifted.
You’ll get 12 stories straight to your inbox at around 12pm. It’s the perfect lunchtime read.
And what’s more – it’s FREE!
The MyLondon team tells London stories for Londoners. Our journalists cover all the news you need – from City Hall to your local streets, so you’ll never miss a moment.
Don’t skip a beat and sign up to The 12 newsletter here.
“He was committed to serving the people of London and latterly Parliament and the diplomatic community.
“Chris had a strong sense of duty and was a loved and valued member of his team.
“He will be missed.”
An inquest has been scheduled for September at Waltham Forest Coroners Court.
Want more local news? Sign up for MyLondon’s FREE newsletters here.
For all the latest World News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
