Deaths during police chases soar to highest level in decade

Fatal shootings also hit new peak

DEATHS during high- speed police chases and shootings have reached the highest level in more than a decade, figures show.

Some 28 died in pursuits and six were shot dead by officers in 2016/17, the highest numbers since the force’s watchdog began collecting data in 2004.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission) is now examining tactics and training after it emerged that none of those killed in chases this year involved officers responding to a 999 call.

Across England and Wales, 28 were killed during 24 pursuits, including five pedestrians – more than double the 13 deaths last year.

The number of suspects being shot dead by police has also doubled in a year, from three fatalities in 2015/16 to six this year.

That includes the death of Westminster terrorist Khalid Masood, who was gunned down after claiming five lives in March. The number of other deaths following police contact has also almost tripled since 2014 from 43 to 124.

The statistics come just a day after heated protests in Hackney, East London, following the death of Rashan Charles.

Mr Charles, 20, died on Saturday after being restrained by an officer on a shop floor as he apparently attempted to swallow a package.

The Metropolitan Police is facing a backlash after three black men – including Mr Charles – died in the last five weeks after being restrained by officers.

In 2016/ 17 there were 14 deaths in or following police custody in England and Wales, including one man restrained in a spit hood.

Although the number of deaths in custody has not changed from the previous year, campaigners are concerned about the number of people with mental health, drug or alcohol issues who died after being taken into custody.

Deborah Coles, director of campaign group Inquest, said: ‘The IPCC suggests that most of these deaths have occurred despite police policy being followed, begging the question of how effective and safe these policies are.

‘We are also extremely concerned to hear of a man dying in police custody whose restraint included what is commonly known as a spit hood, at a time when many police services including the Met are rolling out these degrading and unsafe devices.’ She added: ‘More than half of the 14 who died [in or following custody] were identified as having mental health concerns, and the vast majority had a known link to alcohol or drugs.

‘Much the same can be said of the other 124 deaths following police contact investigated by the IPCC.’

IPCC chairman Dame Anne Owers said there were concerns about the rising number of fatal police pursuits. She said: ‘The rise in pursuit-related deaths is noticeable. None were in response to emergencies, and two-thirds of the people who died were passengers, bystanders or other road users.

‘Pursuits are dynamic and fastmoving events, and there are authorised procedures to ensure that they are as safe as possible.

‘ When we investigate, we examine whether those procedures have been followed, taking account of known risks. In most of the incidents investigated, this was the case.

‘However, given the rise in fatalities, we will be working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council to look at the causes and whether any changes to police pursuit safety or training are needed.’

She said while the number of fatal police shootings had risen, this is in the context of many thousands of authorised firearms operations, with 14,700 in 2015/16. All of the suspects shot dead were armed at the time with a knife, axe or gun.

She added: ‘Investigations into three of the 2016/17 incidents are complete and, as in the great majority of firearms investigations, we have found no indication of misconduct.’

‘Extremely concerned’