IPCC Probe Over Fatal Car Pursuit In Dorset

A police watchdog is to investigate after a teenager died in a car crash during a pursuit.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is to investigate Dorset Police after Steven Brown, 18, suffered fatal injuries.

Police had tried to pull over the the purple Volkswagen Golf he was travelling in during the early hours of December 18 on Station Road in Clump Hill, Dorset.

The two uniformed officers believed the Volkswagen Golf had made off without paying from a petrol station in St Leonards the previous evening.


They tried to stop the car but instead were involved in a pursuit and it is believed the car collided with the roadside at Clump Hill, the IPCC said.


IPCC commissioner Rebecca Marsh said:

"My condolences go to Steven's family and friends. A sudden death at any time is traumatic, but is made especially so at this time of the year.

"The IPCC investigation will be focussed on the actions and decisions of the officers to stop and then pursue the Volkswagen Golf. We will be looking at whether their actions were proportionate and in line with force policies and training.

"The police will investigate Steven's death and the crash itself and will provide a report for the inquest, which will enable the evidence to be put into the public domain. The IPCC will publish its findings in due course as well."

Mr Brown from Verwood, Dorset, was taken by ambulance to Poole Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A second passenger in the car, an 18-year-old man from Ferndown, suffered minor injuries and was also taken to Poole Hospital for treatment.

The police vehicle was fitted with an internal data recorder which the IPPC said is currently being examined.

A post-mortem examination is due to take place.