Driver, 41, dies after car slams into a tree during police chase

A 41-year-old driver has died after his car struck a tree during a police pursuit in Bedfordshire.

Officers travelling in a marked police car were alerted to a grey Audi being driven without headlights on High Street South in Dunstable shortly before 10.30pm on Saturday, the force reported.

The motorist refused to stop for officers, resulting in a chase as the Audi travelled along the A5183 towards Markyate.

At approximately 10.37pm, the vehicle left the carriageway and collided with a tree in the vicinity of Caddington, police confirmed.

No other vehicles were involved in the collision.

Officers conducted first aid and were supported by emergency service, but the driver was pronounced dead shortly before 11.30pm.

Following the incident, Bedfordshire Police made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which has since launched an investigation.