Pedestrians injured in collision following pursuit - Kent Police, September 2018
On 15 September 2018 an automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) activation in Rochester prompted Kent Police officers to follow a car that may have been displaying a false registration plate. After spotting the police car, the driver of the suspect car accelerated at speed away onto the M2 motorway. The police vehicle followed and a pursuit was authorised.
Officers in the police vehicle lost sight of the car they were pursuing. However, the National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter was nearby and assisted by following the route of the suspect car, providing commentary over the police radio.
Numerous police vehicles made their way to the location of the suspect car, following the commentary of NPAS. At various points throughout the pursuit, police saw the suspect car and twice came close to it, but pursuit tactics such as stinger or containment were not employed, as police were unable to get into the correct position to carry them out due to way the suspect car was being driven.
Approximately 11 minutes after the pursuit began, the decision was made by police to terminate and withdraw. Moments later, the suspect car mounted a pavement and collided with pedestrians, before coming to a stop when it hit a barrier.
Several pedestrians sustained injuries ranging from minor aches and bruises to fractures, dental injuries and cuts requiring stitches.
The driver of the suspect car pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving and other related motoring offences. On 3 March 2019 the driver was sentenced to 32 months’ imprisonment and disqualified from driving for six years.
During the investigation, our investigators obtained written accounts from the officers involved in the pursuit and members of the public who were injured during the collision.
Investigators also reviewed information on Kent Police computer systems, CCTV, police radio recordings and relevant policies, procedures and legislation.
All evidence indicated the officers had grounds to stop the vehicle because the driver was suspected of using a false registration plate. Officers did not remain close to the car for any significant length of time following the initial pursuit. Evidence also indicated that, for the majority of the pursuit, the suspect car was on the motorway or residential streets with low levels of traffic and pedestrians. When it headed to a more congested area officers terminated the pursuit.
We were satisfied the pursuit was justified, necessary and proportionate in the circumstances and carried out in line with relevant national and local policies and procedures.
Based on the evidence available we found no indication that any person serving with the police may have behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings, or had committed a criminal offence. We completed our investigation in July 2019.
After reviewing our report, Kent Police agreed.