Police officer under investigation for teen's death in M4 pursuit

The Independent Office for Police Conduct has issued an update on its review of the events that led to 17-year-old Jamie Donnelly dying on the Junction 15 roundabout on January 2.

The teenager was a passenger in a Vauxhall Astra that was being pursued by officers after having failed to stop which then hit the roundabout at around 10.50pm.

After being notified of the incident by Wiltshire Police, the IOPC sent investigators to the scene of the collision and started gathering evidence.

They have established that, minutes before the crash, three police vehicles unsuccessfully attempted to carry out a controlled stop of the Astra by trying to box it in on the M4 eastbound.

Jamie Donnelly, 17, was killed in the pursuit (Image: Wiltshire Police)

The pursuit continued, with the police’s lights flashing and sirens blaring, before one police vehicle followed the Astra off the motorway.

Both vehicles went through a red light and crashed into the traffic island.

Two police officers in the pursuing vehicle sustained minor injuries.

The constable who was behind the wheel is now under criminal investigation for causing death by dangerous driving and has been served with a gross misconduct notice for potentially breaching police standards of professional behaviour.

IOPC Regional Director Derrick Campbell said: “We have been in contact with Jamie Donnelly’s family to express our sympathy for their sad loss, and to explain how our investigation will be carried out.

“Our investigation is at an early stage and is considering whether officers acted in accordance with local and national policies, and their training.

“Following the conclusion of our investigation, we will decide whether to refer the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service and we will also determine whether any disciplinary proceedings should follow for a police driver.”

The IOPC advised that the serving of a criminal letter and gross misconduct notice does not necessarily mean that any proceedings will follow.

Its investigation is examining the actions and decisions of the police officers and staff involved in the pursuit, including the authorisation, planning and implementation of containment tactics.

The organisation has gathered statements from police officers involved along with police dashcam footage and radio transmissions which are being reviewed.

Thames Valley Police is undertaking a parallel criminal investigation into the driving of the Astra, and a man who was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving has been released on bail.

Last month, Jamie Donnelly’s family paid tribute to him, describing him as a “cheeky chappy”.

“Our precious Jamie has been taken from us far too soon,” they said.

“He was a cheeky chappy, a very talented football player and an all-round sportsman. Jamie loved his Xbox and was quite competitive.

“He had such an infectious laugh and knew how to light up a room. He had the best sense of humour and had anyone who met him in fits of laughter.

“Jamie was also one of the kindest, sweetest boys. He was very popular and never forgot anyone he met and vice versa – he left a lasting impression on anyone who met him.

“Jamie was adventurous and loved his family holidays, kayaking, caving, go karting and the occasional water parks!

“Our family dog Buddy will miss Jamie playing with him and giving him all his attention. Jamie will be sorely missed by all of his family and close friends.”