AN INDEPENDENT investigation has been launched into the death of a man who fell from a roof after fleeing from a car crash.
A police statement issued yesterday states: “Police were called to Robin Hood Road, Willenhall, last night (29 September) at around 7.30pm to reports that a car had collided with parked cars.
“The driver fled from the car and climbed onto the roof of a house nearby before falling.
“On arrival, officers detained a 31-year-old man in connection with an attempt burglary; the ambulance service attended and he was taken to hospital where he died this morning.
“Inquiries are on-going to establish the circumstances of what has happened.
“A mandatory referral was made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) who have launched an independent inquiry.”
An IOPC spokesperson said: “We can confirm we are investigating police contact with a man in Willenhall, Coventry on Saturday evening prior to his death in hospital. We understand police arrived and detained the man after he had fallen from a roof at around 7.30 pm.
“He was then taken by ambulance to hospital where he later died.
“We have since declared an independent investigation which will examine the contact police officers had with the man after their arrival at the scene in Robin Hood Road.”
UPDATE:
West Midlands Police this afternoon released the following update to clarify matters: “The man was initially detained on suspicion of attempted burglary due to the calls regarding a confrontation inside the premises.
“However, his medical concerns took priority so was never formally arrested.
“Following the subsequent review and accounts from the residents, there was no suggestion of him attempting to commit a burglary and so, if he were alive, he would no longer be under investigation on suspicion of burglary.”
