Watchdog probes police response to death flood
THE police response to a report of flooding on a road near Bridgend prior to a man’s death is being investigated by a watchdog.
Russell Sherwood’s body was recovered from his car which had become submerged in the river Ogmore at Ewenny in November.
He had been reported missing three days earlier after failing to collect his wife from work.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) yesterday announced it is investigating the South Wales Police response to a report of flooding across New Inn Road in the village on November 20.
The death of Mr Sherwood, who was 69 and from Cilfrew, near Neath, is not being investigated.
The IPCC investigation will also assess whether or not the response by South Wales Police was in line with force policy and joint protocols with other agencies.
IPCC investigators have been reviewing calls made to South Wales Police and gathering witness statements.
Jan Williams, IPCC commissioner for Wales, said: “My thoughts are with the family of Mr Sherwood and all those affected by his tragic death.
“Our investigation will examine police actions prior to his disappearance and whether appropriate policies and procedures were followed.
“We have made contact with Mr Sherwood’s family to explain our role, and we will be keeping them updated as the investigation progresses.”
Mr Sherwood was a popular motorcyclist, and his funeral saw hundreds of mourners turn up – including dozens of bikers who went to the funeral on motorbikes and followed the hearse in tribute to their friend.