WIREDGOV

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is appealing for witnesses to assist its investigation into police actions one week on from a fatal collision in Purley-on-Thames. 

On Thursday,13 February 2014 at around 9.20 pm a collision occurred on the A329 in Purley-on-Thames, between a black BMW and two cyclists, who died of their injuries. Surrey Police is investigating the fatal collision.  

Shortly prior to the collision, Thames Valley Police officers who were in Pangbourne  and in a marked police 4x4 vehicle noticed the BMW which was connected to an earlier reported incident.  

The IPCC’s independent investigation is examining how police responded in the short time period of less than two minutes between the sighting of the BMW and the fatal collision. The investigation will consider whether police actions had any effect on the events that followed. 

IPCC investigators will be in the Purley Rise and Pangbourne areas this evening, (Thursday 20 February) carrying out house-to-house enquiries and appealing for any witnesses who may have seen the events unfold. 

The IPCC is keen to speak to anyone who witnessed events on the A329 between Pangbourne, in the area of the police station and Texaco garage, and Purley-on-Thames close to the junction of Purley Rise and Westbury Lane where the collision occurred. 

Anyone with information can contact the IPCC investigation team on freephone 0800-096-9071 or email: pangbourne@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk 

IPCC Associate Commissioner Guido Liguori said: 

“I would like to offer my condolences to the families of the two men at this very difficult time. As police officers were in the vicinity and sighted the BMW very shortly before the collision, we will be investigating how the police responded to the sighting and whether their actions had any effect on the events that followed. I would urge anyone who saw anything that may assist with our investigation to come forward.”  

Note to Editors: 

A 31-year-old man has been charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving. 

For media enquiries please contact the IPCC press office on 0207-166-3951 or 3239

- See more at: http://www.ipcc.gov.uk/news/ipcc-seeks-witnesses-assist-investigation-thames-valley-police-actions-fatal-collision-purley#sthash.O7RFcChW.dpuf