A414 biker died in crash with van during Essex Police chase

The man in his 30s died at the scene after the crash at around 6.38pm on the major link road near Bobbingworth as the bike was being pursued by police officers after a report he had failed to stop on Ongar High Street shortly beforehand. The driver of the van involved in the crash was arrested and has now been released pending further investigation. Emergency responders closed the major road between Harlow and Chelmsford for several hours following the major incident yesterday evening.

The case has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, a mandatory procedure in these circumstances. An Essex Police spokesperson said: "A man has died following a collision on the A414 near Bobbingworth. "It was reported that a motorbike and a van were involved in a collision at around 6.38pm on Monday, 12 January.

"Sadly, the motorbike rider - a man aged in his 30s - died at the scene. "The driver of the van was arrested in connection with the incident and has since been released under investigation. "At the time of the collision, the motorbike was being pursued by an Essex Police vehicle following a report that it had failed to stop for officers in Ongar High Street a short time earlier.

"The incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is a mandatory step in circumstances such as this.

"The IOPC has confirmed that it will carry out an independent investigation."