Fatal Crash Follows Police Pursuit
A 19-year-old man has died after a police pursuit ended in a serious crash near Stratford-upon-Avon.
Two women also suffered injuries in the collision.
Warwickshire Police said officers attempted to stop a black Audi on Birmingham Road shortly before 17:30 BST on Monday.
The driver failed to stop, prompting officers to begin a pursuit.
Audi Collides With Ford Puma
Around 15 minutes after the initial attempt to stop the vehicle, the Audi crashed into a white Ford Puma.
The collision happened on the A439 Warwick Road.
Paramedics confirmed the Audi driver dead at the scene.
The driver of the Ford, a woman in her 70s, suffered life-threatening injuries.
She remains in hospital in critical condition.
Passenger Also Seriously Injured
A woman travelling as a passenger in the Ford also suffered serious injuries.
Doctors do not believe her injuries are life-threatening.
Another person involved in the crash suffered injuries that were not considered serious.
The West Midlands Ambulance Service said crews treated four patients at the scene.
Police Watchdog Investigates
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an independent investigation.
Warwickshire Police made a mandatory referral after the death occurred following police contact.
IOPC officials attended the force’s post-incident operation to gather information.
The watchdog said its investigation remains at an early stage.
Pursuit Lasted Several Minutes
Police said the Audi initially travelled toward the A46 after officers tried to stop it.
The vehicle later headed back toward Stratford on Warwick Road.
The Audi then collided with the Ford.
The IOPC said officers pursued the vehicle for around six minutes before the crash.
Several other vehicles also suffered damage during the pursuit.
Road Closed After Collision
Warwick Road was closed between the Marraway roundabout and the junctions with Ingon Lane and Sand Barn Lane.
The road remained closed into Tuesday morning.
Authorities have since reopened the route.
The crash caused significant disruption in the area.
Police Offer Support to Families
Supt Steve Flavell expressed sympathy for everyone affected by the collision.
He said police were providing specialist support to the families involved.
Warwickshire Police also confirmed that officers would fully cooperate with the IOPC investigation.
The watchdog will examine the circumstances surrounding the pursuit and subsequent crash.
Local MP Calls Incident Tragic
Manuela Perteghella, Liberal Democrat MP for Stratford-on-Avon, described the incident as extremely tragic.
She expressed sympathy for the families affected.
The MP also urged people to allow the investigation to take its course.
Safety Measures Were Previously Introduced
Warwick Road has previously undergone safety improvements.
Warwickshire County Council carried out works two years ago after concerns about crashes in the area.
Officials introduced a one-way system and reduced the speed limit.
They also installed a protected turning lane near Ingon Lane.
Additional street lighting was added to improve visibility for pedestrians near Fisherman’s Car Park.
Investigation Continues
The circumstances surrounding the police pursuit crash remain under investigation.
The IOPC will examine the police contact, pursuit and events leading to the fatal collision.
Authorities have not yet released further details about the circumstances that caused the Audi to crash.
Families of those involved are receiving support as investigators continue their work.
