POLICE COMPLAINTS AUTHORITY TO SUPERVISE INVESTIGATION INTO COUNTY DURHAM FATAL CRASH

1 Oct 2001 12:00 AM

The independent Police Complaints Authority is to supervise the investigation into a fatal crash in Durham, in which a man, Mark Collins, 22, of Consett, County Durham, has died. The incident occurred at 3.45p.m. on Friday 28 September, in Phoenix Court, Blackhill, Consett.

Initial reports state that a Vauxhall Nova car failed to stop when Durham Constabulary officers requested it to. The marked police vehicle then followed the car. The car collided with a parked vehicle and then a tree.

The officers performed first aid and paramedics arrived. The driver was taken to University Hospital, Durham, but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Durham Constabulary voluntarily referred the incident to the PCA. Authority member Mrs Anne Boustred will supervise the investigation, which is being conducted by Superintendent Barry Peart of Durham Constabulary Traffic Department.

Mrs Boustred said: ''I will ensure that a full and thorough inquiry will be carried out into the circumstances of this tragic incident. A full report will be sent to HM Coroner for a public inquest.''

2. PCA Website www.pca.gov.uk links to press releases on www.nds.coi.gov.uk