By Chris Hardy

POLICE ARE investigating whether a car crash in which a mother and her two children died could have been caused by a spillage on the road and have appealed for the public’s help.

Ann Copeland (45), her daughters Niamh (10) and Ciara (7), and their pet dog died on Wednesday morning on the A92 south of St Cyrus when their car was in collision with another vehicle as they headed for Montrose where the girls attended St Margaret’s Primary.

Grampian Police said initial findings suggested a substance may have been spilled on to the A92 before the collision. Investigations to identify the cause of the crash are continuing and police confirmed Mrs Copeland and her daughters had all been safely secured in the car.

Sergeant Norman Stewart of the roads policing department said, “As is normal following these types of tragic events, we are looking at various lines of inquiry, including the condition of the road surface at the time of the crash. Early indications from the collision investigation team suggest something had been spilled on to the road before the collision.

“I would ask any motorist who travelled on the A92 between Inverbervie and Montrose on Wednesday morning prior to the crash, which happened at 8.45am, to contact the police.

“What I want to establish is— did you see anything on the road surface south of Inverbervie? Did you see anything spill or drop from a vehicle?”

Anyone who witnessed the collision, or saw either of the two cars beforehand, is asked to call Grampian Police on 0845 600 5700 as soon as possible.

“Even if they did not notice any form of spillage, it would help if they could contact us to enable us to accurately establish the time at which the spillage may have occurred,” he said.

“I would however stress this is just one aspect of the overall inquiry, which continues,” said Sgt Stewart.

Chief Insp Tom Forrester, head of roads policing in Grampian, said the gathering of details at the scene had been completed and results would be analysed over the days ahead.

The occupants of the Citroen Berlingo involved in the collision with Mrs Copeland’s Citroen Saxo will be interviewed. The man, aged 60, and 51-year-old woman, who live near the accident scene, remained in Ninewells Hospital yesterday.

Insp Forrest said, “No one has been charged at this stage. As is normal in a fatal road traffic collision a full report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.

“All the factors involved, including the weather, road conditions and information from witnesses will be taken into account.

“We are aware of local concerns with regard to the road and will be consulting Aberdeenshire Council to see if there is a case for introducing any road safety improvements. There will be site visit in due course.”

Aberdeenshire Provost Bill Howatson said the local authority was waiting for the police report, adding, “Our own accident investigation unit is also involved and if anything arises from either of the reports we will give it very serious consideration. We will leave no stone unturned when we look into this tragedy.”

Pupils, parents and staff at St Margaret’s Primary held a special assembly led by the Roman Catholic school’s chaplain yesterday to pay tribute to the family.

Head teacher Cecilia McCluskey said, “The girls are well known and well loved and will be sadly missed by all of the pupils and staff in our small school.

“Both they and their parents have been part of our school family since each of the girls started in primary one. Our heartfelt sympathy goes to all affected by this terrible tragedy.”