Teenage boy dies after police chase ends in crash near M4
A teenager has been killed in a crash following a police pursuit near the M4. Wiltshire Police said the incident happened on the A419 in Swindon at around 11pm yesterday (January 2) and involved a Vauxhall Astra. During the chase, the car collided with the roundabout at junction 15 of the M4.
Police confirmed one of the occupants in the vehicle, believed to be a teenage boy, died at the scene, while three other people in the car suffered minor injuries. A police spokesperson added three people have been arrested following the incident. The force has also referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) so the watchdog can independently investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
A police statement said: “We can confirm that a person has died following a collision on the A419 at the junction of the M4 in Swindon. The incident took place last night, shortly before 11pm, when a Vauxhall Astra collided with the roundabout at the junction. “Sadly, one of the occupants of the car, believed to be a teenage male, died at the scene as a result of the injuries he sustained.
Formal identification has not yet taken place. Three other occupants of the car sustained minor injuries. “Following initial enquiries, a male in his 20s, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
The two other individuals, both female and in their 20s, were arrested on suspicion of taking a vehicle without consent. All three remain in custody at this time. “We can also confirm that the incident occurred following a police pursuit.
As is protocol, we have referred ourselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) who will be independently investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident. As such, we are unable to comment further on this element at this time. “The A419 southbound from the Commonhead roundabout to the M4 is closed as is the M4 eastbound exit slip road for J15.
These will likely be closed for much of the day so we would ask all motorists to use alternative routes where possible.”
The A419 is part of the strategic route linking the M4 at Swindon with the A417 and the M5 in Gloucestershire.
Anyone who witnessed the collision or might have dash cam footage of the incident or the vehicle beforehand, is asked to email us on [email protected].
References
- ^ Boy, five, died in fall from West Country harbour wall while fishing (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ Teenager who died in crash named as police renew appeal (www.somersetlive.co.uk)