Appeal for witnesses following police pursuit in Taunton

22 Oct 2019 11:04 AM

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is appealing for witnesses after a fatal road traffic collision following a police pursuit in Taunton on Thursday morning (17 October).

 Conner Palmer, 18, died after the Ford B-Max he was driving overturned in Clifton Terrace at around 2.30am.

 A marked Avon and Somerset Police vehicle had been pursuing the car, which police suspected was stolen, prior to the collision.

 Two passengers, a 35-year-old man and a 24-year-old man, sustained serious injuries and remain in hospital.

 After being notified by Avon and Somerset Police, we sent investigators to the scene and to the post incident procedures.

 We have been carrying out house to house enquiries and collecting CCTV footage from the area.

 Regional Director Catrin Evans yesterday said:

“My thoughts are with Conner’s family at this difficult time and everyone affected by this incident.

 “We have met Conner’s family to explain our role and offer our condolences.

 “We will continue to gather evidence and hope that anyone who witnessed the incident or saw the car being driven around Taunton prior to the collision contacts our investigators.”

 Anyone who may have witnessed the incident should contact the IOPC on email CliftonTerraceRTI@policeconduct.gov.uk or call 0800 029 4691.