WIREDGOV

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is appealing for witnesses as part of an independent investigation into the actions of West Midlands Police prior to a fatal road traffic collision in Birmingham. 

The collision happened just after 2am on Thursday 19 December, after an police armed response vehicle on routine patrol had attempted to stop a BMW in Handsworth, due to the manner in which it was being driven. 

We understand that after the silver coloured BMW failed to stop a pursuit began but was abandoned. A short time later police came across the BMW which had crashed into a tree outside the Grove pub in Grove Lane, Handsworth.

Sadly a 17-year-old boy, who was a passenger in the car, was confirmed dead at the scene, and a 16-year-old boy who was the driver died later in hospital. Three other passengers, all teenage boys, were taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life threatening.

While the investigation is in the early stages, investigators have already conducted CCTV and house-to-house enquiries and have obtained initial accounts from the officers involved.

We are now appealing for anyone who witnessed any part of the incident to contact us as soon as possible by calling 0300 303 5611 or emailing  grovelane@policeconduct.gov.uk

IOPC Regional Director Derrick Campbell said: “Our sympathies and thoughts remain with the families of the boys who died and all those affected by this tragic incident. We have contacted the boys’ families to pass on our condolences and explain our role.

“We believe there would have been drivers and other people in that area who may have seen or heard something that might assist our investigation. I would encourage anyone who has dashcam or other footage, or else witnessed the pursuit, the collision or the immediate aftermath to contact our incident line.

“It is vitally important the circumstances of the incident are subject to an independent investigation so we can fully understand what happened and ensure the full facts are brought to light."