Fatal collision - West Midlands Police, October 2017

On 26 October 2017 West Midlands Police (WMP) officers were involved in a pursuit with a suspected stolen Volkswagen (VW) Golf with three men on board. The pursuit was apparently abandoned when the VW Golf turned onto a dual carriageway against the flow of traffic. A short time afterwards, the VW Golf collided head on with a van. The rear passenger of the VW Golf was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the VW Golf was later convicted of death by dangerous driving.

Investigators obtained CCTV footage, the officers’ training records, telematics and incident data recorded for the police car, as well as statements from several police witnesses. During the investigation, we investigated whether the officer who drove the police car may have engaged in the pursuit after it was known that the pursuit had not been authorised. We interviewed an officer under the misconduct caution.

Evidence indicated that officers engaged in an initial pursuit with the VW Golf. Authority to continue the pursuit was not granted and officers abandoned the pursuit. Authority was refused for a second time when officers saw the VW Golf again. At this time, officers did not pursue the vehicle further.

Based on the evidence available, the investigation found no indication that any person serving with the police may have behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings.

After reviewing our report, the force agreed with our findings.