Family 'may sue US officials' after suspect in fatal crash claims immunity

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The family of a teenager who was killed in a crash with a US diplomat's wife who has since left the UK are considering suing US government officials, their spokesman has said.

Harry Dunn died in a fatal road incident near RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire on August 27.

The 19-year-old was riding his motorcycle when a woman emerged from the airbase on the wrong side of the road and there was a head-on collision.

Northamptonshire Police met with the 42-year-old suspect, who is the wife of a US diplomat and who reportedly claimed diplomatic immunity.

She has since fled the country after she was told to leave the UK by US embassy officials. 

Harry Dunn died in a fatal road incident near RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire on August 27
Harry Dunn died in a fatal road incident near RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire on August 27 Credit: Facebook

Now Mr Dunn's family are considering legal action in the US courts, their spokesman Radd Seiger, 55, has said. 

One of the options is a civil claim for compensation against the US Department of State.

Mr Dunn's family are also considering a further claim in the UK courts from the insurance company of the woman's vehicle.

Mr Seiger, a retired lawyer who runs a campaign called Justice 4 Harry, said: “The family are utterly devastated by what has happened.

"If that weren't bad enough they now have a situation not of their making where the American government has whisked this American citizen back to the US before they could get some justice.

Harry's parents say his death left them "utterly broken"
Harry's parents say his death left them "utterly broken" Credit: Sky News

“The family are exploring several avenues of potential legal action within the UK and US.”

Charlotte Charles, Harry’s mum, 44, said: “We are utterly devastated by Harry’s loss.

“He was such a precious young person who was loved by all who knew him.

“Our lives have been shattered.”

The incident is understood to be the 13th road accident at the airbase since 2003, according to the family. 

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said he was disappointed by the US decision and is now set to meet the family next week.

Harry Dunn, 19, of Charlton, Banbury, died after his motorbike collided with a car near RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire on August 27
Harry Dunn, 19, of Charlton, Banbury, died after his motorbike collided with a car near RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire on August 27

He added: “I wish to offer my condolences to the family affected by this tragic incident. 

“I have called the US Ambassador to express the UK’s disappointment with their decision, and to urge the Embassy to reconsider it.”

In a statement, the US Embassy in London offered its "deepest sympathies" to Mr Dunn's family following the accident "involving a vehicle driven by the spouse of a US diplomat assigned to the United Kingdom".

They added: “Embassy officials are in close contact with the appropriate British officials on this matter.

"Due to security and privacy considerations, we cannot confirm the identity of the individuals involved, but we can confirm the family has left the UK."

Superintendent Sarah Johnson, from Northamptonshire Police said: “Harry Dunn's family deserve justice and in order to achieve this, a full and thorough investigation, with the assistance of all parties involved, needs to take place.

"Northamptonshire Police is committed to ensuring justice for Harry and specially trained officers continue to support the Dunn family in their loss, including keeping them fully informed of all developments in the investigation."

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