Independent police watchdog to investigate death of 16-year-old in Pontefract motorbike crash
Logan Stead,16, died at the scene
An independent police watchdog has launched an investigation into the death of a teenager in Pontefract.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the involvement of West Yorkshire Police in a fatal road traffic collision on Monday, July 13.
Logan Stead, aged 16, was riding a motorbike along Eastbourne Terrace in Pontefract when the incident occurred. Despite being given medical assistance, Logan died at the scene.
A second teenage boy, aged 13, who was on the motorbike prior to the collision was uninjured and was initially arrested after by officers on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
IOPC Director of Engagement Emily Barry said: “Firstly, my thoughts and condolences are with the family of Logan and all those who have been affected by this tragic incident. We have contacted Logan’s family to explain our role and we will continue to update them as our enquiries progress.
“There is a mandatory requirement for forces to refer to us incidents like this, which result in death or serious injury, and our investigation will thoroughly examine the circumstances of the police involvement, including whether appropriate policies and procedures were followed.
“Whilst our investigation is in the early stages, investigators are in the process of obtaining accounts from the officers involved and working with the force to secure all available footage related to the incident.”
The incident was was referred to the IOPC due to the fact the motorbike had been spotted by officers shortly before the collision at 5.05pm and had turned around to catch up to the motorbike once it had travelled past them in the opposite direction. The investigation will be looking at the circumstances in the lead up to the collision.
Initial enquiries have established that officers had concerns about the age of the boys on the motorbike, although there was no pursuit of the vehicle by officers prior to the collision, an IOPC spokesperson confirmed.
IOPC investigators went to the scene to begin gathering information as soon as WYP made them aware of the incident and an independent investigation was declared the same evening.