The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has initiated an investigation following a serious collision involving a West Midlands Police vehicle in Solihull. The incident left a male driver hospitalized with severe injuries.
Crash Details
The collision occurred at approximately 5am on Wednesday, May 20, on Shutt Lane in Earlswood, Solihull. According to West Midlands Police, officers were pursuing a suspected stolen Mercedes when their vehicle collided with a Honda at the junction near Hickory's Smokehouse. The Honda driver sustained serious injuries and was transported to Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital for treatment. The police car sustained significant damage, with its front bumper and bonnet destroyed.
IOPC Investigation
The IOPC confirmed it received a mandatory referral from West Midlands Police regarding the incident. An IOPC spokesperson stated: "We have begun an investigation into the involvement of West Midlands Police after a man was seriously injured when the car he was driving was in collision with a police vehicle engaged in a pursuit. The collision happened at around 5am on May 20 at the junction of Umberslade Road, Valley Road and Shutt Lane in the Solihull area." The watchdog will examine whether police actions aligned with training and guidance. The road was closed for several hours following the crash.
The IOPC added: "We will be contacting the victim, when appropriate, to explain our role and how our investigation will be conducted." The investigation began on May 21 and aims to determine the circumstances surrounding the pursuit and collision.
