Police Scotland apology over fatal crash: ‘We got it wrong’

Sir Stephen House issued a lengthy apology to the families of Lamara Bell and John Yuill, as well as to “the people of Scotland”.

Yuill was pronounced dead at the scene, while Bell was taken to Queen Elizabeth University hospital in Glasgow, where her condition is described as very serious.

“I completely understand the level of concern being raised about the circumstances surrounding the handling of the incident of the crash near the M9 slip road at Bannockburn, and in particular, Police Scotland’s response to information received that we failed both families involved, is without doubt”.

They said: “The commissioner’s investigation will also examine the robustness of Police Scotland’s missing person inquiry and look at why that enquiry was not linked with information received in the call”.

Sir Stephen said everyone in the force felt the failure “most profoundly”. They had been reported as missing after having had last been seen with friends early Sunday.

Mr Yuill’s father, Gordon, said: “The family just want to be left in peace now to grieve”. His injuries were such that he died on impact. The post published yesterday said that “Lamara was in a field for 3 days after the accident”.

In a separate post he added: “A huge error by a senior officer has absolutely devastated us…it fells like we have had our hearts ripped out any time I see her my heart sinks to the bottom of my stomach and it’s not getting easier”.

Ms Bell has two children, including a 9-year-old daughter and a 5-year-old son, while Mr Yuill was the father of two young boys.

Ch Const Sir Stephen House said on Friday he had apologised to the families of John Yuill, 28, and his girlfriend Lamara Bell, 25, who were discovered in a blue Renault Clio in a wooded area beside the M9 motorway on Wednesday morning.

He also revealed that on Sunday morning he had unknowingly driven by the spot where she was found. Our thoughts are with both families at this hard time. “For reasons now being investigated, that report was not followed up at the time”.

“Police Scotland are legally constrained from giving any detail into an incident if it is referred to the Pirc, as this incident rightly was”.

The crash site is close to the Bannockburn Interchange.

An investigation into the incident is to be carried out by the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner.

The Scotland Chief of Police released an apologetic statement to the public after police officials failed to investigate the vehicle crash as soon as it was reported.

“All callers to 101 receive an electronic options menu”.

Scottish Labour MSP Elaine Murray said: “Local Police control rooms across Scotland have been being closed and the effectiveness of the 101 service has been called into question”.

“All further detail going forward will therefore be a matter for the Crown Office and the Pirc”.