A man has died after entering flood water during a police pursuit in Derbyshire, prompting the local force to refer itself to the national policing watchdog. The incident, which occurred following an attempted vehicle stop, has triggered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatality.
Details of the Incident
According to a statement released by Derbyshire Constabulary, the pursuit began when officers attempted to intercept a vehicle. During the course of the interaction, the individual exited the vehicle and entered a body of water. Despite the rapid response of emergency services and recovery efforts, the man was later pronounced deceased.
The identity of the man has not yet been formally released, as authorities work to notify his next of kin. Local emergency services, including specialized water rescue units, were reportedly involved in the operation, which took place amid challenging environmental conditions following recent heavy rainfall in the region.
Independent Investigation Launched
In accordance with standard protocol regarding deaths following police contact, Derbyshire Police confirmed they have made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The watchdog is expected to lead an independent inquiry to determine the sequence of events and assess whether the actions taken by the officers involved adhered to established safety and procedural guidelines.
A spokesperson for the force stated that they are cooperating fully with the IOPC’s preliminary assessments. While the investigation is in its early stages, the referral highlights the transparency required in cases where police activity precedes a loss of life. Further updates are anticipated as the watchdog concludes its initial review of the evidence.
