NSW police officer killed ‘instantly’ after car she was travelling in crashed into tree in Redfern

A police officer has been killed on duty when the car she was travelling in crashed into a tree.

NSW Police said the marked police car was travelling under lights and sirens along Gibbons Street in Redfern, Sydney, when it crashed about 1.30am on Friday. The officers were responding to a reported vehicle theft at Glebe, driving with lights and sirens activated.

The passenger in the car, Mia Lay, a female constable aged 20 had been with the force for 16 months. She died instantly in the crash.

Mal Lanyon, the police commissioner, thanked Mia for her courage and for choosing the police for her career. “You will not be forgotten”, he said.

Paramedics treated the 24-year-old male constable who was driving before he was taken to hospital in a stable condition.

A crime scene has been established, and police have declared a critical incident.

The NSW Police watchdog said it would monitor the force’s investigation into the crash to “ensure public confidence”.

The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission said it could not independently investigate the incident until NSW police finishes its probe, and any coronial or criminal proceedings are over.

The premier, Chris Minns, and the police minister, Yasmin Catley, said their thoughts were with the loved ones of the officer who died.

“Our police officers dedicate themselves to looking after others, and today the NSW Police family is mourning one of its own,” Catley said.

Minns said he was also thinking of the officer injured in the crash and those who responded at the scene.

The NSW opposition leader, Kelly Sloane, said she was “heartbroken” by the news.

“(The officer) was out working while most of us were asleep, protecting the community,” she said.

Nearby Regent Street remains closed in both directions between Lawson and Cleveland streets.

Motorists have been advised to avoid the area, with several bus routes being diverted.