Family of woman hit by police van launch legal action against force

The family of a woman who died after being struck by a police van in North Lanarkshire has raised civil action against Police Scotland.

Margaret McCarron, previously Boland, 58, was struck by the vehicle on Merry Street, Motherwell, at around 8.20pm on Sunday, September 19, 2021.

She was taken to University Hospital Wishaw but was pronounced dead shortly after.

Police Scotland said the marked Ford Transit van was on routine duties at the time and did not have its blue lights or sirens on.

Scotland’s prosecution service instructed the police watchdog to investigate Ms McCarron’s death.

Her children have now gone to the Court of Session to bring a case against Police Scotland.

In a statement issued by lawyers Digby Brown, the family said: “Every day we have mourned the loss of our mum however we continue to try and keep her memory alive by living with the kindness, warmth and positivity she shared with those around her.

“There have been aspects of the incident which, for us, remain unclear so we hope a civil action will help deliver answers so we may finally be able to process everything, heal and move forwards.”

A 30-year-old officer was charged in connection with the crash in March 2023. That criminal case remains ongoing.

Police Scotland said the officer had been put on restricted duties.

A spokesperson said: “As this is an ongoing legal case it would be inappropriate to comment.”