Motorcyclist injured in crash after pursuit - Sussex Police, September 2017

On 12 September 2017, a Sussex Police officer was driving an unmarked police car in Bognor Regis. The officer reported that the rider of a motorcycle had failed to stop for him. He followed the motorcycle to try and read its registration number. The motorcycle accelerated away from the police car, so the officer sought permission to pursue it. The officer lost sight of the motorcycle and began to search the local area. The officer then came across the motorcycle, which had crashed. The motorcyclist was taken by ambulance to hospital to be treated for an open fracture to his left leg and an injury to his head, neither of which were reported as life threatening.

During the investigation, investigators analysed body-worn video, police officers statements and on-board camera footage from the police car. They also reviewed local and national pursuit/driving policy. We contacted the motorcyclist to obtain an account but did not receive a response.

Witness accounts taken at the time suggest that the motorcyclist lost control of his motorcycle while navigating a bend in the road and crashed, causing his injuries, and that the police vehicle was not behind him at the time of the crash.

We were of the opinion that the pursuit was justified in the circumstances and in keeping with local and national policy, guidance and legislation, and that the police did not directly contribute to the motorcyclist’s injuries

The Investigator found no indication that any person serving with the police may have behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings.