THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to a road traffic accident in Reading which left a man with life-changing injuries.
Shortly before 9pm on Monday, November 20, officers attempted to stop a white BMW which was seen running a red light on Berkeley Avenue and speeding on the A33.
On both occasions officers were unable to stop the driver, who made off without officers in pursuit.
Following this, the BMW was involved in a collision with a pedestrian who was crossing Basingstoke Road with an e-bike, near the Lidl store.
The driver got out of the car and fled the scene, leading to a search by police officers, dog units, drones, and the National Police Air Service.
They were unable to locate the driver, and no arrests have been made in relation to the investigation so far.
The pedestrian was left with serious and life-changing injuries and remains in hospital undergoing treatment.
A referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is mandatory when a serious injury follows police contact.
Investigating officer Inspector Scott Long, of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit, said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the victim of this collision, who has suffered life-changing injuries and remains in hospital, and his loved ones at this time.
“The collision happened shortly after our officers twice tried to stop the BMW for driving dangerously but they made off on both occasions, with officers not following as they had lost the vehicle.
“We have made a mandatory referral to the IOPC as the victim suffered a serious injury following police contact and an internal review is ongoing.
“We are also continuing to investigate what happened and locate the BMW driver, who remains outstanding despite our extensive search.
“I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision or the dangerous driving beforehand to please come forward.
“I’d also ask any motorists with dash-cams who were driving in the area at the time of the collision to please check their recordings in case they have captured something that could assist the investigation.
“To get in touch, please call 101 or fill in our online form, quoting reference number 43230523033.
“Alternatively, for 100% anonymity, you can also provide information to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.”
