A 20-year-old police officer who was killed in a vehicle crash in inner Sydney has been remembered by colleagues and members of the community following the tragedy.

Constable Mia Lay died after a marked police vehicle crashed in Redfern early on Friday morning. Another police officer, a 24-year-old male constable who was driving the vehicle, remained in hospital following the incident. The crash has prompted tributes from the NSW Police community as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Mia Lay had been serving with NSW Police for about 16 months. Her death has attracted attention in the Redfern community, where people who knew her have spoken about her connection to the area and her work as a young police officer. ABC reported that one local resident described the loss as particularly painful because of the officer's connection with the community.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb paid tribute to Constable Lay, describing her as an outstanding police officer. The comments came as colleagues and members of the wider police community gathered to remember the young officer and acknowledge the circumstances of her death.

The crash occurred during the early hours of Friday in inner Sydney. Emergency services responded to the scene after the police vehicle collided with a tree. Despite emergency efforts, Constable Lay died from injuries sustained in the crash.

The second officer involved in the crash was taken to hospital for treatment. Police investigations are continuing, and authorities are expected to examine the events leading up to the collision as part of the investigation.

The death has also highlighted the risks faced by emergency service workers while carrying out their duties. Police officers regularly travel through busy metropolitan areas at all hours, including during urgent responses and overnight patrols.

For the Redfern community, the incident has brought a period of mourning as residents and colleagues remember the young officer. Tributes have focused on her short but significant time with the police service and her connection to the local area.

NSW Police will continue to support officers and colleagues affected by the death while investigators establish the circumstances surrounding the crash. A formal investigation will help determine what occurred before the vehicle left the roadway and crashed.