Collision following pursuit - West Midlands Police, June 2019

On 17 June 2019 West Midlands Police officers engaged in the pursuit of a vehicle which had failed to stop. The pursued car travelled at high speed through the centre of Northfield, Birmingham, through several red traffic lights, before entering a residential area. Officers continued to pursue the car, but lost sight of it for several seconds. They then came across a collision involving the pursued car and other cars. The driver of the pursued vehicle, and three members of the public from a vehicle into which the pursued car collided, sustained serious injuries, some life changing.

Our investigators collected evidence, including in-car CCTV from the police vehicle, telematic data, and Airwave radio transmissions between the car and the control room throughout the pursuit. Officers involved in the incident also provided witness accounts.

The police officer who drove was a qualified advanced police driver, trained to the recognised standard to conduct such pursuits in accordance with national and local policies. Based on the evidence, we were satisfied that the driver had appropriately initiated the pursuit and sought authority to continue it, which was granted.

Evidence supported the view that the police driver considered how they could adjust their manner of driving to mitigate risk, and was able to sufficiently justify that it was appropriate to continue the pursuit. Evidence also indicated that the decisions made by the force control room inspector to authorise and continue the pursuit were also aligned with guidance and policy.

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 September 2019.

After reviewing our report, WMP agreed.