IPCC to investigate pursuit death

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) will manage the investigation into the death of a teenager following a police pursuit.

The 17-year-old youth died in Kingston Hospital on Wednesday following the crash in Esher, Surrey on 8 July.

Surrey Police said he was driving a stolen car and had failed to stop for Metropolitan Police officers in Merton, south London.

The IPCC said it would manage Surrey Police's investigation into the crash.

The incident was referred to the IPCC by the Metropolitan Police because staff and one of its vehicles was involved.

'Correct procedures'

IPCC commissioner Mike Franklin said: "This is a sad incident in which a young man has died and I extend my condolences to his family.

"I also don't underestimate the effect this must have had on the officers involved and I am sure that Metropolitan Police are taking the relevant steps to support them.

"The IPCC will now manage an investigation by Surrey Police to determine the exact details of the incident including whether or not the police officers involved in the pursuit followed the correct policies and procedures relating to pursuits."

Surrey Police said Met officers followed the driver for about 10 miles before he collided with a Daewoo in the early hours of 8 July.

He was taken to hospital where he remained in a critical condition all week but died on Wednesday.

The driver and passenger in the Daewoo were also injured in the crash but have been released from hospital.