Thames Valley Police officer did not cause or contribute to death of motorcyclist

3 Nov 2017 02:57 PM

An IPCC investigation has concluded that the actions of a police officer assisting the driver of a broken down vehicle in Buckinghamshire did not cause or contribute to the tragic death of a motorcyclist.

An independent investigation into the incident was launched by the IPCC in August 2016 following the death of 28-year-old Ahmed Bafadhel.

On 31 July 2016, just before midday, a Thames Valley Police officer stopped to assist the driver of a broken down Mercedes on the A355 between Amersham and Beaconsfield.

He positioned his car behind the Mercedes and activated his lights to act as a warning. He then began to direct traffic as the Mercedes was partially obstructing a lane.

About 30 minutes after stopping to assist the Mercedes driver, two motorcycles were involved in a collision as they attempted to avoid stationary traffic queuing to use the single available lane.

The police officer called an ambulance and requested police assistance. The rider of one of these motorcycles, Mr Bafadhel, was taken to hospital by air ambulance but sadly died at 2.30pm.

The second motorcycle rider sustained minor leg injuries. He was later charged and convicted of causing death by careless driving.

The IPCC investigation, which was completed in April 2017, found no indication actions of the officer fell below the standard of professional behaviour or caused or contributed to the death of Mr Bafadhel.

IPCC associate commissioner Guido Liguori said: “The death of Mr Bafadhel was a tragic accident and my thoughts are with his family and friends, and all those affected by this terrible incident.

“A criminal investigation conducted following the crash has resulted in a man being convicted of causing death by careless driving.”

Publication of this conclusion, and the final report was delayed until the completion of criminal proceedings relating to the incident.