WIREDGOV

We have begun an independent investigation into the level of involvement of West Midlands Police prior to a road collision in Kingswinford, which resulted in the deaths of four young people.

It happened at about 8.50pm on Tuesday 13 October when a Skoda Fabia lost control in Bromley Lane and hit a tree. The driver, Joshua Parkes, aged 21, was confirmed dead at the scene along with passengers Lucy Tibbetts and Isabelle Floyd, both aged 16. A fourth occupant, 18-year-old Nathan Cartwright, died from his injuries at the weekend while a fifth passenger, a 16-year-old girl, remains in hospital.

A short time before the collision the Skoda had come to the attention of a marked police vehicle. Following a referral from the force we are now investigating the nature and extent of police involvement before the collision.

IOPC Regional Director for the West Midlands, Derrick Campbell, yesterday said:

“Our sympathies are with the families and everyone else affected by this tragic incident.

“It is our role to provide the independent scrutiny which is necessary in these circumstances and we will establish the facts. In the meantime, we acknowledge concerns in the community but would stress that speculation is not helpful to anyone.

“The evidence we have gathered so far indicates there was no direct contact between the police vehicle and the Skoda, but our inquiries will look at whether there was any other form of interaction between them prior to the collision. 

“We have made contact with the families of those involved to explain our role and we will keep them regularly updated as our investigation progresses.”

IOPC investigators attended the scene and post incident police procedure that evening to begin an assessment after being notified by the force. In-car data from the police vehicle and CCTV footage has been gathered for review.

The collision itself is being investigated separately by the force.