Police watchdog to probe van driver's death

An investigation has been launched into the actions of police officers after a man died when a van overturned in Birmingham.

The fatal crash happened after a Volkswagen van failed to stop for a mobile patrol at about 23:40 BST on Thursday, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said.

Paramedics rushed to the scene in Springfield Road, Sutton Coldfield, to help the 35-year-old man but he died a short time later.

The watchdog said its investigation was in its "very early stages".

"Our sympathies are with the family of the man who died and we will be in contact with them to explain our role and how our inquiries will be progressed," a statement read.

The IOPC oversees the police complaints system in England and Wales and investigates cases such as deaths following police contact.

Police forces must refer themselves to the body following certain serious incidents, regardless of whether someone has made a complaint.

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