Investigation following fatal collision in Cumbria

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the circumstances leading up to a fatal collision in Endmoor, Cumbria, on Sunday 16 October.

An 18-year-old man died after the blue Ford Fiesta he was driving collided with a tree on Gatebeck Road at around 1.30am.

We received a mandatory referral from Cumbria Constabulary as, prior to the collision, it appeared the vehicle had failed to stop for officers in a marked police van.

IOPC investigators attended the scene and were involved in the police post-incident procedures. We have begun the process of gathering evidence, including statements as well as dashcam and CCTV footage from the area.

IOPC Regional Director Catherine Bates said: “This was a tragic incident in which a young man has sadly lost his life.

“We are independent of the police and will carry out a thorough investigation to understand the events leading up to the collision.

“Our thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones, as well as all those affected by his death.”