Purley: Police Watchdog Investigates Fatal Crash

The IPCC has confirmed it is investigating Thames Valley Police's actions before a crash which killed two cyclists in Purley last Thursday.

Investigators from the Independent Police Complaints Commission will be speaking to witnesses to find out exactly what happened in the moments leading up to the crash.

The fatal crash happened last Thursday on the A329 in Purley on Thames, Pangbourne.

Thames Valley Police referred the matter to the IPCC, after officers in a marked police 4x4 noticed a black BMW which was connected to an earlier reported incident.

The black BMW was then involved in a collision with two cyclists, who both worked for Reading Borough Council, who died at the scene.

The IPCC will examine the circumstances surrounding police actions prior to the fatal collision and investigators will be carrying out a witness appeal in the area on Thursday, 20 February, a week after the incident.

IPCC Associate Commissioner Guido Liguori said:

"I would like to offer my condolences to the families of the two cyclists at this very difficult time.

"Our independent investigation will seek to establish the circumstances leading up to this tragic event.

"Clearly we are at a very early stage of the investigation but I hope to be in a position to release further details very soon."

A 31-year-old man has been charged in connection with the collision.

Meanwhile, tributes are being paid to the men killed in the crash.

Reading Borough Council released the following statement upon hearing the news of the crash:

“It is with great sadness that news of the tragic death of two Council employees reached us... The thoughts of everyone at Reading Borough Council are obviously with their families at this sad time.”

The family of Kris Jarvis has released the following tribute for him:

"Kris was born in Reading in 1974 and was one of six children.  He began school at Oxford Road Primary School moving through to Highdown Secondary School as well spending some time at Burghclere Secondary School in Newbury.

"Kris was well known in Reading as he worked for more than 20 years for Reading Borough Council.  He began in a temporary role and worked his way up through the ranks up to the position of a Street Care Waste Support Officer.  Kris cared passionately about the environment and was strongly committed to recycling.  He was often seen liaising with the local shops and businesses as well as local households.    

"Kris met his fiancée Tracey Fidler when they were both 17 years old and they have been together, for the last 22 years. Kris was a devoted family man and he and Tracey have five children, Kyle (18), Ryan (16), Luke (14), Emma (11) and Adam (9).  Kris and Tracey were very much in love and had been planning to get married next year. 

"Kris supported many charities including The British Heart Foundation, the RSPCA as well as The Dogs Trust.  Kris loved animals and the family has four dogs and two cats.  Kris had a love of cars, motorbikes and bicycles.  He had 5-6 bicycles and he was often found tinkering about in the garden with his bikes!  Kris has taken part in a number of charity bike rides including London to Brighton and The Reading to Bournemouth bike rides.  He also took part in a cycling holiday in Cornwall with his close friend John Moorland.  Kris enjoyed all aspect of cycling both on and off road as well as performing stunts.

"Kris was known by his friends and loved ones as a caring and generous gentleman with a larger than life character.  He was always the first to help anyone in need and was often the first to be called on by family, friends and neighbours when things went wrong!

"The sudden tragic death of Kris has left a deep hole in the lives of all who knew him, he will be sorely missed."