BBC News | UK | Police investigate car chase deaths

The Police Complaints Authority (PCA) is investigating how three people died in two car crashes as they were followed by officers.

Andrew Smith and Tom Gardiner died when their Ford Escort Cabriolet XR3i hit a lamp post on a hump-back bridge at 0005BST in Bristol Road, Gloucester, on Saturday.

Also on Saturday at about 0800BST, 14-year-old John Charles Smith, of Malvern, Worcestershire, died after a white H-registration Ford Escort he was driving - reported stolen - collided with a lorry on a bridge at Evesham.

Both police forces have referred the crashes to the independent PCA.

Gloucestershire Police said two uniformed officers in an unmarked car had chased the Cabriolet for a mile south towards the M5 after it sped off when they signalled for it to stop.

Despite attempts to resuscitate Mr Smith and Mr Gardiner, who were both in their twenties and from Brockworth, Gloucester, they were declared dead at the scene.

Any road death is a matter of concern - but in view of the ages of those involved, this incident is particularly tragic

West Mercia Deputy Chief Constable, Peter Neyroud

During the eight hours the road was closed, police conducted an inch-by-inch examination of the accident scene.

They will report to the Gloucester Coroner, David Gibbons, and the overseeing investigator, a senior officer from neighbouring West Mercia Police.

PCA member, Duncan Gear said: "I will ensure that a full investigation is carried out into this tragic incident.

"I would urge any witnesses to call 01452 521201 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

A West Mercia Police spokesman said John Smith had been followed by a marked police car after failing to stop for a police patrol.

After the crash, a passenger, 15, was taken by air ambulance to Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham, with serious injuries.

We will ensure that this incident is thoroughly and impartially investigated

PCA Deputy Chairman, Ian Bynoe
West Mercia Deputy Chief Constable Peter Neyroud said: "Any road death is a matter of concern - but in view of the ages of those involved, this incident is particularly tragic.

"My thoughts and sympathies are with their families."

PCA deputy chairman Ian Bynoe said: "I would appeal for any witnesses to this tragedy to call 01905 723888."


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