IOPC makes referral to CPS in Hounslow fatal road traffic incident investigation

Following an investigation into the actions of a Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officer following a fatal road traffic incident in Hounslow, west London, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has referred a file to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for consideration of criminal charges.

The IOPC started an investigation after two pedestrians, a 16-year-old boy and Andrew MacIntyre Brown (23), were struck by a marked MPS car in Whitton Road, Hounslow on 1 November 2019. Both sustained serious injuries and were taken to hospital. Sadly, Mr Brown subsequently died.

Our investigation followed a referral from the MPS on 1 November 2019 when IOPC investigators attended the scene of the collision to begin gathering evidence. The driver of the police car, a constable, was subsequently interviewed under criminal caution for potential driving offences and was also served with a notice of investigation for gross misconduct.

Two other officers present in the police vehicle at the time of the collision were also served with notices of investigation for misconduct and gross misconduct.

IOPC Regional Director, Sal Naseem, said: “Following thorough and careful analysis of the evidence, we have decided there is an indication an officer may have caused death and serious injury by dangerous driving and a file has been referred to the CPS.

“I am satisfied we have gathered all the available evidence and it is now for the CPS to consider whether to bring criminal charges.”

A referral to the CPS is made when the IOPC investigation indicates that a criminal offence may have been committed. It does not mean that criminal charges will necessarily follow. The CPS will decide whether charges should be brought, based on the test set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors.

We have also passed the findings of our investigation to the MPS and we will determine whether or not disciplinary proceedings should follow.