PC faces misconduct hearing over police chase death

Image copyright Manchester Evening News

Image caption Luke Campbell was being pursued by a police car when he collided with another car, followed by a post and a barrier

A police constable faces a gross misconduct investigation after a man died in a police car chase.

PC Simon Folwell is being investigated after Luke Campbell, 24, died when the Mercedes he was driving crashed in Old Trafford on 21 February 2016.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said PC Folwell had a case to answer for his actions.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) disagreed with the IPCC findings, the police watchdog said.

Mr Campbell, who was driving a Mercedes S320, struck a Mini and then a CCTV post and barrier at the junction of Warwick Road and Sir Matt Busby Way at about 03:30 GMT.

Image caption The crash was a mandatory police referral to the police watchdog

He was being followed by a marked police car, driven by PC Folwell and because of the crash the case was referred to the IPCC as a matter of course.

IPCC Associate Commissioner Guido Liguori said he directed a gross misconduct hearing to take place after GMP disagreed with the IPCC findings.

Mr Liquori said: "Once again, I would like to offer my condolences to the family and friends of Mr Campbell.

"My decision to direct disciplinary proceedings was not taken lightly. It follows careful analysis of all the available evidence, for which an officer's actions must be held to account."

A date for the gross misconduct hearing is yet to be confirmed by GMP.