Watchdog investigates taxi death

Independent experts are examining 'black-box' data from a patrol car

A fatal crash between a taxi and a car which was being followed by police is to be investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

Taxi driver Raymond Tristram, 61, from Skewen near Neath, died when a Mazda 6 collided with his vehicle in Swansea.

The Mazda was being pursued by a police car at the time, after it is believed to have gone through a red light.

The 29-year-old driver remains in hospital, while the car's 17-year-old owner has been questioned by police.

The incident, which happened at 0100 BST on Saturday, 19, July, was referred to the IPCC by South Wales Police.

IPCC Commissioner, Ian Bynoe, said: "My thoughts and condolences go to Mr Tristram's family and friends, who was going about his business as a taxi driver when his vehicle was hit by a Mazda 6 car travelling in the opposite direction.

"The IPCC will carry out a thorough and timely investigation into the circumstances leading up to his death."

Friends and family of Mr Tristram have paid tribute to him, describing the death as a tragic waste of life

Bob Hoyles, chairman of the Neath Taxi Proprietors' Association, said: "It has devastated his colleagues and it's so tragic for his family, our sympathies are with them."

The IPCC said arrangements have now been made to transfer data from the police patrol car involved in the incident.

It is expected to be analysed by an independent expert over the next three weeks.

The Mazda car's driver remains part of an ongoing criminal investigation into the crash.