Probe into police chase tragedy

Michael Tunley died soon after being admitted to hospital

The Police Complaints Authority has launched an investigation after a south Wales taxi driver died in an accident involving a stolen car being followed by police.

Michael Tunley, 58, died in hospital following the incident in Newport in the early hours of Sunday.

I want answers to tell my children and grandchildren

Mr Tunley's widow, Eileen

News of the investigation came as the PCA released its annual report on Tuesday - which showed a sharp rise in the number of accidents involving police cars.

The accident happened as Gwent Police officers in a Transit van were pursuing a Volkswagen Golf which had left the scene of a fight.

As the chase continued, the Golf was involved in a collision with Mr Tunley's red Ford Orion taxi.

The driver of the Golf was arrested at the scene and was being treated for leg injuries at the Royal Gwent Hospital.

'Needless' death

Police are still hunting a young man who was a passenger in the car and fled from the scene of the collision at the junction of Church Road with Caerleon Road.

Mr Tunley's widow, Eileen, has appealed for anyone who witnessed the tragedy to come forward.

"I want answers to tell my children and grandchildren why this has happened," she said.

"This accident is so needless."

Witness appeal

Detective Chief Inspector Brian Wilson, who is leading the investigation, said: "We are anxious to trace a number of people who witnessed the events that led to this tragic incident."

He confirmed the Golf was stolen vehicle.

Police want to speak to anyone who saw the fight or who saw the Golf leave the car park in Bridge Street, Newport.

They also want to make contact with a man wearing a vest top who was at the scene of the collision a mile away in the Maindee area.

A spokesman for the force confirmed that the Police Complaints Authority had been contacted immediately and a "supervised investigation" was now under way.