WIREDGOV

An Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) investigation into a fatal road collision in Birmingham following a police pursuit has found no fault on the part of officers over the death of driver Shawn Browne.

However it has highlighted some concerns including the failure of police to clear the scene properly. This caused distress to the family of Mr Browne when they visited the following day and found items of his clothing and property still in situ, along with debris from his car.

Mr Browne, aged 26 and from Rubery, was killed when the Peugeot he was driving lost control and hit a tree in Bristol Road South late in the evening on April 1 this year (2015). An inquest which concluded in Birmingham on Tuesday, November 24, found that Mr Browne died as a result of a road traffic collision.

Shortly before the collision a police officer had begun a pursuit after being informed there was no insurance for the vehicle. The officer informed the control room that the car had failed to stop and was travelling at approximately 90 miles per hour.

The IPCC’s independent investigation found that the officer involved had correctly followed force policies and procedures during the pursuit.

West Midlands Police is being recommended to revisit its pursuits policy which was found to be two years overdue for review.

During the investigation, the force explained that there had been confusion over who was responsible for scene management in the immediate aftermath of the collision, given that the IPCC were also present.  The IPCC report confirms that the police should have managed the scene until the IPCC officially declared its independent investigation the following day.

Measures have been agreed to ensure early liaison and greater clarity over responsibilities when responding to future incidents.

IPCC Commissioner Derrick Campbell said: “This was a tragic incident in which a young man lost his life and it was only right that the circumstances were fully investigated.

“Our findings have raised concerns, particularly in relation to post incident scene management and, while some steps have been taken by the police to address that going forward, we hope the force will also act swiftly on the other recommendations contained in our report.”   

“Our thoughts are with Mr Browne’s family and friends at this time.”