The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an independent investigation after a man in his 30s suffered a serious head injury while fleeing from police in Birmingham on Saturday night (August 8).
Officers from West Midlands Police were called to a disturbance in the Weoley Castle area shortly before midnight. They arrested a man, but as he was being taken to a police vehicle, he ran from officers and fell, sustaining a serious head injury by the roadside.
West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) was called to Veronica Close in the Shenley Green area at 11.52pm. An ambulance and a MERIT (Medical Emergency Response Incident Team) trauma doctor with a critical care paramedic were dispatched. The man received specialist trauma care at the scene before being taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where he remains in a serious condition.
Ambulance Service Confirms Serious Injury
A spokesman for the ambulance service said: “On arrival we discovered one patient, a man. He was found to be seriously injured and received specialist trauma care from ambulance staff before being taken to hospital for further treatment.”
The incident has been voluntarily referred to the IOPC by West Midlands Police, as is standard procedure when a member of the public is seriously injured during or following police contact.
IOPC Investigation Underway
The IOPC confirmed that it had started an independent investigation. A spokesman said: “We have started an independent investigation into the actions of West Midlands Police after a man was seriously injured following his arrest in Birmingham on Saturday night (August 8).
“Police were called to a disturbance in Weoley Castle shortly before midnight and arrested a man in his 30s. We have established that as he was being taken to a police vehicle he ran from officers and sustained a serious head injury after falling over by the roadside.
“An ambulance took him to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, where he remains in a serious condition.”
Investigator Sent to Gather Evidence
The IOPC has sent an investigator to the police post-incident procedure to begin gathering evidence, including reviewing police body-worn video footage. The investigation was formally declared at 10.30am on Sunday (August 9).
“We will be contacting the man’s family to explain our role and will keep them updated as our inquiries progress,” the spokesman added.
West Midlands Police has confirmed it is cooperating fully with the IOPC. A spokeswoman said: “We are assisting the IOPC with its investigation,” and declined to comment further at this stage.
Context and Previous Incidents
The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of police use of force and arrest procedures. The IOPC has previously investigated similar cases in the West Midlands, with outcomes ranging from no further action to recommendations for policy changes.
Local residents in Weoley Castle have expressed shock at the incident, with some calling for greater transparency in police operations. The area has seen a series of police callouts in recent months, though West Midlands Police has not confirmed any pattern.
The man's condition remains serious, and hospital staff have not provided further updates. The IOPC investigation will examine whether officers followed proper procedures during the arrest and chase, and whether any action could have prevented the injury.
This case highlights the risks inherent in foot pursuits, which are a common but dangerous aspect of policing. The IOPC has previously recommended that officers consider the risks of chasing suspects on foot, especially in areas with hazards like roads and uneven terrain.
The investigation is ongoing, and the IOPC has promised to release a full report once it concludes. Meanwhile, the community awaits answers as to how this incident unfolded.
