M4 motorcyclist killed in police pursuit (From This Is Wiltshire)

THE MOTORCYCLIST killed in a crash on the M4 slip road last night was being pursued by police for speeding.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission is independently investigating a fatal road traffic incident that occurred on the M4, junction 16, at about 7.30pm on Thursday, March 7.

The case has been referred to the police watchdog as the victim was thought to have been pursued by a Wiltshire Police marked car for speeding. 

Under the Police Reform Act, all fatal incidents where there has been police involvement must be referred to the IPCC by the local police force.

In a statement a spokesman said: "The IPCC deployed its investigators last night after a motorcyclist died after crashing on the slip road at junction 16, after leaving the westbound carriageway of the motorway.

"The male motorcyclist was declared dead and his next of kin have been informed. He will be formally identified by the Coroner when he opens the inquest on 12 March.

"It is understood at this stage that a Wiltshire Police marked car wanted to stop the motorcyclist for an alleged speeding offence."

IPCC Commissioner Rachel Cerfontyne said: "I would like to offer my sincere sympathies to the family and friends of this man.

"This will be an independent investigation and will be carried out by IPCC investigators. We will be looking at whether the officers actions were proportionate and whether this was a pursuit or not. We will also consider force policies and training.”

The motorcyclist crashed on the slip road leading off the westbound carriageway of the M4 turnoff for Swindon at junction 16 at about 7.30pm. 

The IPCC is asking anyone who witnessed any of the events leading to the crash, or the crash itself, to contact the IPCC investigation in confidence on Freephone 0800 096 9073 or email m4j16motorcycle@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk.

The coroner has been informed and the inquest will be opened on 12 March. The post mortem will take place on 11 March.