THE Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) announced yesterday that it would investigate the death of a driver who crashed after being pursued by a dog-handling vehicle.

The 26-year-old man, who has not been named, was pronounced dead after a black Peugeot car hit a tree at about 11pm on Wednesday.

IPCC investigators were sent to the scene in Bristol Road South, Birmingham.

Investigators have been in contact with the man’s family who are being kept up to date on the progress of the inquiry.

West Midlands Police said that the Peugeot failed to stop for officers and crashed a short time later.

The force’s professional standards department informed the IPCC, in line with procedure for such incidents.