Fatal collision after pursuit - West Midlands Police, March 2018

On 23 March 2018 West Midlands Police officers illuminated their vehicle blue lights behind a motorcycle in Tipton. The rider of the motorcycle was not wearing a helmet. The motorcycle stopped briefly at a junction ahead of the police vehicle, but then sped off at high speed as an officer opened his vehicle door. The police vehicle pursued the motorcycle for 33 seconds before the officers decided that the risk in pursuing was too high. The officers de-activated their blue lights.

The police vehicle continued along the route the motorcycle took and, after over two minutes, came across a crash that had occurred between the motorcycle and a taxi. The rider of the motorcycle suffered extensive head injuries and died in hospital from his injuries.

Our investigators analysed footage from the police vehicle and CCTV from nearby businesses. They also studied telematics from the police car and took statements from witnesses who were in the vicinity at the time of the crash. The police officers gave statements regarding their actions and decisions in deciding not to pursue the motorcycle.

It was established that, at the time of the crash between the motorcycle and the taxi, there was approximately half a mile between the police vehicle and the motorcycle. The evidence gathered did not show that the police either caused or contributed to the man’s death. The police did pursue his motorcycle for a brief period, but the pursuit was called off when the risk was believed to be too high.

Based on the evidence available, we found no indication that any police officer had behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings or had committed a criminal offence.