IOPC investigating how police dealt with welfare concerns prior to fatal collision in Northamptonshire

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating Northamptonshire Police’s response to concerns for a man’s welfare before his death in a road collision, in which the driver of a HGV also died.

It happened at around 1pm on 1 March on the A45, close to the A14 junction near Thrapston, and involved a Ford Kuga driven by 52-year-old Mark Meagan and a DAF truck driven by a man from Hertfordshire, who was aged 40. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene.

Following a referral from Northamptonshire Police shortly afterwards, the IOPC declared an independent investigation and sent investigators to the scene of the collision and the police post incident procedures to begin gathering information.

The investigation is looking at the police response to calls concerning Mr Meagan’s welfare; the actions and decisions of officers and staff in relation to locating him; and whether relevant national and local policies and procedures were followed.

IOPC Regional Director Derrick Campbell said: “I would like to express my deepest sympathies to the families and friends of both men who died in this tragic incident. A thorough and independent investigation is required to fully understand what happened. While that is still in its early stages, we have already made progress in terms of obtaining statements from officers and staff who were involved in the police response after concerns were raised for Mr Meagan.

“Our investigators have met with the families of Mr Meagan and the other man who died, to explain our role and we will keep them regularly updated on our progress.”

IOPC investigators are also gathering statements for review from family and friends who were in contact with Mr Meagan on the day of the collision, along with police radio transmissions. A separate investigation into the collision is being carried out by Northamptonshire Police.