Collision following pursuit - Metropolitan Police Service, April 2017

On 22 April 2017 officers from the Metropolitan Police Service were pursuing a Mercedes car as the occupants were believed to have been involved in a stabbing incident in Southwark, central London. The Mercedes driver lost control and collided with another car, which consequently struck a moped, resulting in the rider falling off. The suspects and members of the public involved in the crash suffered injuries, none life threatening. Expert analysis concluded there was no contact with the police vehicle which was behind the Mercedes at the time of the collision.

During the investigation, our investigators interviewed the officers involved in the pursuit and took witness statements from staff in the police control room; they examined CCTV footage and in-car camera footage; an independent expert provided a report examining the pursuit.

Based on the evidence available, the Lead Investigator found there was an indication that one person serving with the police may have behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings in respect of the commentary they provided during the pursuit.

After reviewing our report, the force was of the opinion that the officer’s actions did not constitute misconduct, but unsatisfactory performance. They proposed to deal with this via the formal performance processes, to include a refresher course for the officer in providing pursuit commentary and update on current policies.

We agreed that their proposal was appropriate in the circumstances.