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The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating a fatal road traffic incident in Runcorn in which a 25-year-old man died.

Michael Snee, from Runcorn, was in a Seat Ibiza on the A557 Weston Point Expressway at around 5 pm on Sunday 20 February 2011. The vehicle struck a kerb on a slipway leading to the Ineos Chlor Rock Savage Power Plant and rolled over. Mr Snee was seriously injured in the collision and was pronounced dead in hospital soon after.

Two other men in the vehicle sustained minor injuries and are assisting Cheshire Constabulary with its enquiries.

A marked Cheshire Constabulary Vauxhall Astra police car had begun observing the Seat shortly before the collision after becoming suspicious about the way it was being driven.

Cheshire Constabulary referred the incident to the IPCC that evening and after assessment the IPCC has decided to conduct an independent investigation.

IPCC investigators are working in parallel with Cheshire Constabulary's criminal investigation into the incident and have begun to review CCTV footage of the incident and to consider statements from those involved, including members of the public who witnessed the collision. They will be examining relevant police logs, and the IPCC has been in contact with Mr Snee's family to make them aware of the independent investigation.

IPCC Commissioner, Naseem Malik, said: "Regrettably a man has died in this incident and I would like to send my condolences to Mr Snee's family and friends at this awful time.

"Initial information suggests the police vehicle had not begun a pursuit, but this needs to be confirmed by our investigators. But because of its proximity to the incident it is right that we conduct an independent investigation. We will examine the circumstances leading up to the collision and whether the officers actions complied with recognised procedures.”

Media Contact:

Ian Christon, IPCC Regional Communications Officer (North Region) Tel 0161 246 8582