Wiltshire Police officer investigated over fatal crash

Jamie Donnelly died after the car he was travelling in crashed following a police pursuit

A police officer is being investigated for causing death by dangerous driving after a fatal crash during a police chase.

Wiltshire Police were pursuing a Vauxhall Astra on 2 January when it hit a traffic island in Swindon.

Jamie Donnelly, 17, a passenger in the Astra, died at the scene.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said the officer has also been handed a gross misconduct notice.

The misconduct notice for potentially breaching police standards of professional behaviour, was given to the driver of the police vehicle.

The IOPC said it had established, in the minutes before the crash, that three police vehicles had unsuccessfully attempted a controlled stop of the Astra on the M4 by using a "boxing in" manoeuvre.

According to the IOPC, a pursuit then continued on the eastbound carriageway of the motorway, with police vehicles using emergency lights and sirens.

The Astra and one of the police vehicles then left the M4 at junction 15, both going through a red light before crashing into a traffic island on the A419.

Both officers in the police vehicle sustained minor injuries.

The IOPC said the officers in the chase had given statements, and dashcam footage and radio transmissions had been analysed.

IOPC regional director Derrick Campbell said: "We have been in contact with Jamie Donnelly's family to express our sympathy for their sad loss, and to explain how our investigation will be carried out.

"Our investigation is at an early stage and is considering whether officers acted in accordance with local and national policies, and their training.

"Following the conclusion of our investigation, we will decide whether to refer the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service and we will also determine whether any disciplinary proceedings should follow for a police driver," he added.

Thames Valley Police is undertaking a parallel criminal investigation into the driving of the Astra.

A man arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving in relation to the crash has since been released on bail.