Harbhajan Kaur had eight grandchildren

Grandson pays tribute to ‘wise’ woman killed by police motorbike in Gants Hill

by Amanda Nunn Thursday, June 28, 2012
9:15 AM

The grandson of a woman killed in a collision with a police motorbike has described her as the “wisest person” he ever knew.

Harbhajan Kaur had just left her home in Gants Hill when she was hit by a motorbike escorting a convoy of children on a trip to the seaside.

Mrs Kaur, 78, was pronounced dead at the scene on Tuesday morning and the police officer on the bike was airlifted to hospital with chest injuries. He is in a serious but stable condition.

Her grandson Navdeep Bhandal, 25, of Eastwood Road, Goodmayes, said: “I got down there in 10 minutes – the road was already closed off. I went past the police officer getting CPR. It was surreal.”

Mrs Kaur was hit at about 10.30am just outside her home in Eastern Avenue where she has lived for 18 years.

“You never think it’s going to be your family,” said Mr Bhandal. “I saw her laying there and it’s not a good sight for anyone to see. I didn’t recognise her.”

Mrs Kaur had two sons, eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Mr Bhandal, who is getting married next month, said he is upset his grandmother will not be there: “Instead of organising my wedding I’m organising her funeral.

“It’s not going to be the same without her there. We miss her and she was a big part of the community. She was the wisest person I ever knew and I don’t think I will meet anyone as wise as her.

Mrs Kaur was on her way to sing at the Gurdwara Singh Sabha, North Street, Barking, something she did every day.

An ambulance, which was part of the convoy, was first on the scene but minutes later the air ambulance landed on the dual carriageway.

Phil Chakli, manager of Loft Shop in Eastern Avenue, said: “There was a bang and sirens were going off. The helicopter started circling around and landed in front of the office block.”

Most of the London Taxidrivers’ Fund for Underprivileged Children convoy made its way to Southend. The incident has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.