DC Adele Cashman died while chasing suspects

Two teenagers who were chased by a female detective who died during the pursuit have been charged with theft.

The boys, both 17, are due to appear at Highbury Corner Youth Court next Wednesday accused of snatching a mobile phone from a 59-year-old woman in Haverstock Hill, north London.

They allegedly grabbed the handset on Monday and ran off, and officers nearby joined the victim in chasing them.

Among those involved in the chase was Detective Constable Adele Cashman, who collapsed in Belsize Park Gardens during the pursuit. The 30-year-old was taken to the Royal Free Hospital but later died.

Met Police Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe, paid tribute yesterday to her bravery.

He said: “It’s a terrible tragedy for Adele’s family, it’s a terrible tragedy for her colleagues.

“Adele was an eager officer, she was in a crime squad, she was out there chasing criminals, which is I’m sure the reason she joined.

“She was out there being brave, getting stuck in, and then this great tragedy has happened. It is a terrible loss to everybody who knew her.”

Det Con Cashman, who had just returned from holiday, was a response team officer based at Kentish Town police station.

She joined the force in 2006 and was stationed at Wandsworth Borough, where she worked as a police constable, and transferred to Camden in 2010 as a detective.

Acting borough commander for Camden Richard Tucker said: “Adele was a much-loved and wholly dedicated officer.

“We at Camden are completely devastated at her sudden passing and our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this tragically sad time.”