A POLICE officer killed while responding to an emergency call at more than twice the normal speed limit was within ten seconds of being stood down.Pc Cheryl Lloyd, 42, died instantly when the marked police car she was driving spun out of control in West End Road, Ipswich, and crashed into a stationary lorry.

A POLICE officer killed while responding to an emergency call at more than twice the normal speed limit was within ten seconds of being stood down.

Pc Cheryl Lloyd, 42, died instantly when the marked police car she was driving spun out of control in West End Road, Ipswich, and crashed into a stationary lorry.

But the inquest into her death, held at Ipswich Crown Court yesterday, heard a call was made moments after the crash to say her assistance was not required.

Greater Suffolk coroner Peter Dean said: “It maybe adds to the tragedy that within ten seconds of the impact, a call went out to stand down.

“At the time of the impact, this was a lawful and appropriate response to a call for police assistance.”

Jurors returned a verdict of accidental death in relation to the crash, which happened about 8pm on June 18.

Pc Lloyd, along with her colleague Pc Chris Neale, were responding to a call for assistance at the time.

The inquest heard Pc Lloyd, a police-trained advanced driver, lost control of her vehicle on a bend in West End Road as she travelled towards Yarmouth Road.

Witnesses reported hearing the vehicle make screeching sounds and skidding in an anti-clockwise direction before hitting the parked lorry.

Checks carried out after the crash found there were no faults with the car, while a post mortem examination could not find any medical reasons why Pc Lloyd lost control of the vehicle. She died from head injuries.

Sergeant Steven Knight, who investigated the crash, said driving conditions were fine and there were no problems with the road surface.

Pc Phil Payne said the car was travelling between 69 and 84mph at the time of crash. The road's normal speed limit is 30mph.

He said Pc Lloyd had been unable to regain control of the vehicle after it started spinning.

Chief superintendent David McDonnell told the inquest the force complies with standard regulations in training its drivers.

But he added: “Risk can only be managed and cannot be eliminated. Sometimes things go wrong and sometimes the consequences can be tragic. That's what happened in this case.”

Dr Dean, speaking at the conclusion of the inquest, said: “We've heard nothing but praise for Cheryl.

“Her family can rightly be proud of her for the dedication and commitment she showed.”

No details of the emergency Pcs Lloyd and Neale were attending have been released as it relates to a case currently going through the courts.

Speaking after the inquest, Miss Lloyd's sister, Sue Brace, of Felixstowe, said: “Cheryl was a good police officer who loved her job and was greatly respected. We are all very proud of her.

“Cheryl has left a huge hole in our lives that will never be filled. Her family, friends and colleagues all miss her terribly.

“My family would like to thank all the emergency services for all they did to help Cheryl and Chris. A special thought goes to Pc Chris Neale and his family.”

Pc Neale, who has now returned to work at Ipswich Police Station on recuperative duties after sustaining serious head injuries in the crash, also paid tribute to Miss Lloyd.

He said: “Everyone has lost a fantastic police officer and a really good friend.”