Investigators probe crash after police chase (From This Is Wiltshire)

Investigators probe crash after police chase

11:44am Saturday 4th July 2009

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The Independent Police Complaints Commission is to investigate an incident in which a motorcyclist crashed and broke his neck as he was pursued by police in Swindon.

A Wiltshire Police patrol car saw two motorcycles, one with two people on board, driving without lights in Swindon in the early hours of Tuesday.

The police patrol car carrying two male officers reportedly turned on its blue lights so the motorcyclists would stop. It is claimed the two bikes separated and the officers pursued the solo motorcyclist.

He came off his bike in Poplar Avenue and was taken by ambulance to Great Western Hospital, Swindon, where he was diagnosed as having broken his neck in three places.

IPCC Commissioner for the South West Rebecca Marsh said: "This young man's injuries are very serious and we can only hope that he recovers. I am sure that this is a very difficult time for his family and friends.

"We have decided to independently investigate this matter.

"This young man suffered serious injuries and as such there is no question that it is a mandatory referral under the Police Reform Act.

"Despite this the matter was not referred in time to the IPCC for it to consider whether to deploy an investigator to the scene.

"The IPCC independent investigation will include any potential failings by the force under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights and the Police Reform Act.

"The investigation will review the actions taken by Wiltshire Police prior to the decision to independently investigate using our own investigators."

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