ALARMING statistics showing that 15 people a year are killed by police cars answering 999 calls or in pursuits have been unearthed by Pendle MP Gordon Prentice.

Last month Channel 4 news reader Sheena MacDonald was badly injured by a police vehicle when walking in Islington.

Home Office Minister Paul Boetang told the Pendle MP that in 1997/8 no fewer than 2,123 people were injured and 15 killed by police cars answering emergencies.

Mr Prentice said: "We all want help to come as quickly as possible but these statistics are simply dreadful.

"Speeding police cars are very dangerous.''

The statistics show that 21 people died in police vehicle accidents in 1994/5 and in 1995/6 and that 15 died in each of the following two years.

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