A 14-YEAR-OLD boy is believed to be among the suspects detained by police following a car chase that killed a nurse who was on her way home from work. 

Three other boys – all believed to be 16 or under – have been held as part of the investigation into the crash that killed 33-year-old Jill Pirrie.

The accident happened on Old Dalkeith Road in Edinburgh at around 8pm on Thursday, when a silver Ford Ka allegedly careered off the road after it was pursued by a marked police car. It is understood that at least two of the boys were also injured in the crash. 

As friends and colleagues paid tribute to Ms Pirrie, an independent investigation was launched into why the police pursuit ended in tragedy.
Ms Pirrie, from Craigmillar, Edinburgh, had just finished her shift at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary when she was hit.

The theatre nurse, who had a five-year-old son, was rushed back to the hospital, but was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

In a statement, her family said: “Jill was a loving mother, daughter, partner and friend who will be hugely missed by the many who knew and loved her.

“She was well known for her great sense of humour and no words can express the void that is left as a result of this tragedy.

“The family ask that we be given space at this time to grieve in peace.”

Hours earlier, Ms Pirrie was photographed arm-in-arm with colleagues as they celebrated International Nurses Day.

Jim Crombie, chief officer of acute services at NHS Lothian, said staff were “deeply saddened and shocked”.

He added: “Jill was a talented, well-liked and respected member of our theatres team and her colleagues and friends are devastated.

“The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh is a close-knit community and this has sent shockwaves through the site. We have been providing support to relatives and staff throughout the night and that will continue over the coming days and weeks.” Police using sirens and blue lights began pursuing the Ford Ka when the driver failed to stop when signalled to do so by officers as the vehicle headed north on Old Dalkeith Road.

Local residents described hearing “screeching brakes” and a “big bang”.

Tomasz Curylo, 42, was out cutting his grass when he heard a commotion. 

He said: “I heard a big crash and bang, then shortly after the ambulance and police came along the road.”

An independent investigation into the chase will be conducted by the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc).

Chief Superintendent Kenny Macdonald, of Police Scotland, said: “Our sincere condolences are with Jill’s family and friends at this tragic time, and we will utilise all resources at our disposal to investigate this collision.”