West Midlands Police have referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following a crash in the Black Country. It comes after a suspected stolen Audi A4 collided with parked cars in the early hours of the morning on Thursday, January 9.
The vehicle had made off from police moments before the incident near the junction of Stourbridge Road and Fox Hollies Road in Halesowen. Three people were arrested following the crash, including an 18-year-old woman and two men aged 18 and 20.
All three were bailed while police continued to investigate what had happened. A spokesperson for the Independent Office for Police Conduct said: “We can confirm we have received a referral from West Midlands Police in relation to this incident and we will now carry out an assessment to decide what further action may be required by us.”
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A spokesperson for West Midlands Police previously said: “We have arrested three people after a stolen car collided with multiple vehicles in Halesowen. An Audi A4 made off from police at just after 3.50am.
“The car then lost control and collided with a number of parked vehicles near the junction of Stourbridge Road and Fox Hollies Road. Two men, aged 20 and 18, along with a 18 year-old-woman, have been arrested on suspicion for burglary and driving offences.
“An 18-year-old woman remains in hospital and her injuries are being assessed. Anyone with information should get in touch via 101, or Live Chat on our website, quoting log 362 of 9 January.”
They added in a statement to BlackCountryLive today (Friday, January 10): “All three have been bailed while enquiries continue. A referral has been made to the IOPC (Independent Office for Police Conduct) as is standard procedure.”
Two women were taken to hospital following the incident, West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed. They said: “Upon arrival, ambulance staff found four patients. Firstly, two women who were passengers had sustained serious injuries which were not believed to be life-threatening.
“They received treatment at the scene before being conveyed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further assessment. A third patient, a man who was a passenger, was assessed and had sustained injuries not believed to be serious.
“He received treatment at the scene before being conveyed to Midland Metropolitan University Hospital for further assessment. A fourth man who was the driver was assessed and did not require treatment from ambulance staff.
“He received self-care advice before being discharged from the scene. No further patients required treatment.”