LONDON: Britain has urged the United States to “reconsider” allowing thewife of an American diplomat to leave the country after she became a policesuspect in a fatal road crash.
British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said he had raised the case directlywith the US ambassador to London Woody Johnson, after American officialsreportedly allowed the woman to flee to the US.
“I have called the US ambassador to express the UK´s disappointment withtheir decision, and to urge the embassy to reconsider it,” Raab said in astatement.
Harry Dunn, 19, died on August 27 after his motorbike collided with a carnear a Royal Air Force base in Northamptonshire used by the US military asa communications hub.
His Kawasaki motorbike hit a Volvo SUV travelling in the oppositedirection, according to local police.
It confirmed that a 42-year-old American woman being treated as a suspectin their investigations had left Britain.
Media reports suggested she had claimed diplomatic immunity.
Northamptonshire Police Superintendent Sarah Johnson said her force hadfollowed usual procedures in the case, including “liaising closely with thesuspect”.
“(She) engaged fully with us at the time and had previously confirmed to usthat she had no plans to leave the country in the near future,” Johnsonsaid.
“Due process was also followed in seeking the necessary documentation toallow for the arrest and formal interview of the suspect,” she added.
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Johnson said the force was now “exploring all opportunities throughdiplomatic channels” to ensure that the investigation continued.
Britain’s Sky News reported that Dunn’s family had received a letter fromAmbassador Johnson expressing “profound sadness” at the death.
Harry Dunn´s father, Tim Dunn, told the broadcaster the family were”disgusted” and “appalled” at the suspect´s behaviour.
“I´m angry that someone could do this and then get on a plane and go,” hesaid.
“I can’t believe she’s living with herself.”
The US embassy confirmed in a statement to Sky News that the spouse of a USdiplomat assigned to Britain was involved in the accident and had now leftthe country with her family.
“Embassy officials are in close contact with the appropriate Britishofficials on this matter,” it added.
“Due to security and privacy considerations, we cannot confirm the identityof the individuals involved, but we can confirm the family has left theUK.” -APP/AFP
