Collision following pursuit - West Midlands Police, January 2018

On 4 January 2018 a car with four male occupants failed to stop for a West Midlands Police officer in an unmarked police traffic car with lights and siren activated. A short pursuit followed, in which the cars reached speeds in excess of 80mph in a 30mph limit. The pursuit ended when the pursued car collided with the front of a building. All the occupants sustained injuries and the driver suffered a serious head injury.

Our investigators conducted a detailed examination of the in-car CCTV footage of the pursuit. We also obtained and considered statements from the police officer and independent witnesses.

Evidence indicated that the pursuit was carried out in line with national and local policies. The entire pursuit lasted approximately two minutes, during which the officer had no opportunity to use alternative tactical options, other than to follow at a safe distance.

Based on the evidence available, the investigation concluded there was no indication any police officer may have behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings or committed a criminal offence.