Man dies in crash after police pursuit

A man has died and a woman has been seriously hurt in a crash following a police pursuit near Stratford-upon-Avon.

Warwickshire Police said officers attempted to stop a black Audi on Birmingham Road shortly before 17:30 BST on Monday but the driver failed to pull over and a pursuit began.

Fifteen minutes later the Audi crashed, the force said, into a white Ford Puma, with the Audi's male driver confirmed dead at the scene by paramedics.

The driver of the Ford, a woman, was seriously injured and remains in hospital in critical condition. An investigation by the police watchdog is under way.

Officers said after failing to stop, the Audi made off in the direction of the A46 before travelling back towards Stratford on the A439 Warwick Road where the crash occured.

A number of other cars were damaged during the pursuit, police said.

Supt Steve Flavell said: "Our thoughts are with the families of everyone involved in this collision and we're providing specialist support to them at this extremely difficult time.

"We made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) because a death had occurred following police contact.

"They have declared an independent investigation and we will co-operate fully with their investigation."

The A439 Warwick Road remains shut from the Marraway roundabout to its junction with Ingon Lane and Sandbanks Lane.

Warwickshire Police said the road was likely to remain closed for some time with drivers being advised to use alternative routes.

Works were carried out on the road two years ago, aimed at reducing the number of crashes in the area.

Warwickshire County Council added a one-way system, lowered the speed limit and implemented a protected turning lane at the Ingon Lane junction.

Street lighting was also boosted to improve visibility for crossing pedestrians at Fisherman's Car Park.