Huntingdon Street: Man fatally struck by car being pursued by police

The pedestrian was struck on the A60 Huntingdon Street in the early hours of Wednesday

A man has been fatally struck by a car that was being pursued by police in Nottingham.

Nottinghamshire Police said the 31-year-old pedestrian was hit on the A60 Huntingdon Street in the city centre in the early hours of Wednesday.

He was treated by paramedics but pronounced dead at the scene.

A 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to provide a specimen for analysis.

He remains in police custody.

The force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which it said was "standard procedure" as the collision followed a police pursuit.

Police have also appealed for a number of "key witnesses" to come forward.

'As soon as possible'

Sgt Mark Baker, who is leading the investigation, said: "This is a tragic incident and our thoughts remain with the man's family and friends during this extremely difficult time.

"Whilst the incident happened in the early hours of the morning, this part of the city was still relatively busy due to its close proximity to student properties and city bars and nightclubs.

"We believe there were a number of key witnesses in the area that have yet to come forward."

He said the witnesses included a number of people who were with the man shortly before his death.

"If you saw the incident or have any information including mobile phone or dashcam footage, we urge you to get in touch as soon as possible," he added.

The forensic collision investigation unit is at the scene

At the scene

By Olimpia Zagnat, BBC News

One of Nottingham's busiest roads looks rather eerie after a major police incident. Officers and forensic detectives are in Huntingdon Street, which is currently cordoned off, following a fatal crash in which a male pedestrian died.

The car that hit the man was being followed by officers as part of a police pursuit. Due to the nature of the incident, the force has referred itself to the police watchdog.

It is best to avoid the area if you can as the streets around the cordon are gridlocked.

Diversions are in place but police said road closures were expected to remain in place for some time.

Sgt Baker said: "We are carrying out a detailed and thorough investigation and we apologise for any inconvenience this has caused road users. Unfortunately, these closures are going to affect tonight's rush hour."

Nottingham City Transport said severe delays were expected on Brown, Sky Blue, Lime, Yellow and Purple line buses.

'Tragic incident'

An IOPC spokesperson said: "The Independent Office for Police Conduct has started an investigation into the circumstances surrounding a collision in Nottingham city centre.

"It follows a referral from Nottinghamshire Police after one of its vehicles was involved in a pursuit with another car on the A60 Huntingdon Street.

"After we were notified by the force, we sent our investigators to the police post-incident process and scene to begin gathering information.

"Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic incident."

Police said the closures were likely to be in place for some time

Surrounding roads are gridlocked as a result