Two In Court Over PSNI Officer Death

Two men are to appear at Londonderry Magistrates’ Court today, following the death of a PSNI constable in the city at the weekend.

Constable Philippa Reynolds, 27, died in a crash involving a stolen car at the Limavady Road at 03:40 on Saturday.

The men, aged 25 and 23, face charges including aggravated vehicle and causing death or grievous bodily injury.

Constable Reynolds, from the greater Belfast area, was a teacher before she joined the PSNI two years ago.

She was a back seat passenger in an unmarked police car at the time of the crash.

Two other officers also in the vehicle at the time were hurt but not seriously injured.

PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott has issued the following statement: "It is with great sadness that I learned of the death of our colleague. This is a personal tragedy for her family and also for the whole Police Service. She was out on duty, working to keep people safe, when she died. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time. I and my colleagues will ensure that no stone remains unturned as we work to bring to justice those who perpetrated this crime."

District Commander, Chief Superintendent Stephen Cargin, added: "I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the family and colleagues of Constable Philippa Reynolds on this tragic day.

"At around 03:30 this morning, three officers were on a routine patrol in the Dale's Corner area when their unmarked car was struck by a stolen silver land cruiser. We believe Constable Reynolds was killed immediately by the impact of that vehicle. Two other officers in the vehicle were injured.

"I would like to appeal to anyone who has information and may have seen the silver land cruiser travelling between the Gobnascale and Limavady Road areas between 03:00 and 03:30 on Saturday 9 February, or if they saw the two people who fled the scene and ran off towards the Ebrington area."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detectives at Strand Road police station on 0845 600 8000 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

(IT/GK)