Teens out of hospital after fatal Halesowen crash killed boy, 17, but police watchdog probe continues

Two teens have been released after a 17-year-old boy was killed when a car hit a tree in Halesowen[1]. The fatal crash happened on Coombs Road in the early hours of Friday, January 5, and saw the youngster killed following a police chase. The teenager, who has not yet been identified, was in a vehicle that had 'failed to stop' for police moments before the collision on the Black Country road.

Two 16-year-old passengers arrested on suspicion of theft have since been released, West Midlands Police[2] confirmed today. The youths, who were both taken to hospital for their injuries, have now been "de-arrested". The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed it is 'independently investigating' following the smash, which involved two police forces.

Try BirminghamLive Premium for just GBP12 for 12 months![4] Providing an update on the investigation, a West Midlands Police spokesperson told BirminghamLive[5] on January 6: "Both 16-year-olds have now been de-arrested. One has been discharged from hospital, while the other remains in hospital."

The crash happened 'following a short pursuit' involving both West Midlands Police and Staffordshire[6] Police, the IOPC said. A spokesman said on January 5: "We are independently investigating the circumstances of a fatal collision following a police pursuit in the Halesowen area at around 3.15am today.

"The driver was confirmed dead at the scene and two passengers were taken to hospital with injuries. We declared an independent investigation at 5am.

Our thoughts are with all those affected by this incident." The junction of Coombs Road and Amber Way was closed for some time on Friday as emergency crews and collision experts established the circumstances of the collision. West Midlands Police[7] previously said: "The 17-year-old boy was in a car which failed to stop for police moments before hitting a tree, near the junction of Coombs Road and Amber Way, at just after 3.15am.

Sadly nothing could be done to save him and he was pronounced dead at the scene. "The road has been closed while emergency services and collision reconstruction experts establish the circumstances of the collision. The matter has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct as is normal procedure."

West Midlands Ambulance confirmed they discovered three male patients on arrival.

Sadly nothing could be done to save the 17-year-old, who had suffered "critical injuries." The remaining two teens, both 16 and also injured, have now been released.

References

1. ^ Halesowen (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
2. ^ West Midlands Police (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
3. ^ Watchdog launches probe over teen death after Halesowen chase involving two police forces (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
4. ^ Try BirminghamLive Premium for just GBP12 for 12 months! (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
5. ^ told BirminghamLive (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
6. ^ Staffordshire (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
7. ^ West Midlands Police (www.birminghammail.co.uk)