A young Metropolitan Police officer will not face misconduct proceedings following a devastating high-speed pursuit that resulted in the death of a teenager in North London.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has concluded its investigation into the incident, which occurred on the evening of 9th October 2022. The probationary police constable was driving a marked BMW X5 on the A10 in Tottenham when the pursuit of a Volkswagen Golf began.
Tragedy unfolded moments later when the VW, being driven by 19-year-old Kyreis Earle, collided with a Toyota Prius. The impact was catastrophic. Mr. Earle, from Walthamstow, was pronounced dead at the scene. A female passenger in his vehicle sustained serious injuries, while the driver of the Prius required hospital treatment for minor injuries.
The IOPC's investigation was comprehensive, examining in-car footage, witness statements, and expert evidence on police driving standards. A key finding was that the officer's pursuit lasted for approximately 40 seconds and covered just over half a mile before the fatal collision occurred near the ASL Ramsey industrial estate.
While the investigation recognised the profound tragedy of the outcome, it determined that the officer's actions were in line with his training and the authorised professional practice for police pursuits. The evidence indicated that the officer had activated the vehicle's lights and sirens and was assessing the risks involved before the crash happened.
In a statement, an IOPC spokesperson said: "This was a tragic incident and our thoughts remain with Kyreis’s family and friends, and all those affected by his death. After a thorough investigation, we found the officer had a case to answer for misconduct. However, the Metropolitan Police Force agreed with our view that a reflective practice review process was the most appropriate outcome, rather than a misconduct hearing."
This outcome means the officer will undergo a formal reflective process to learn from the incident but will not be subject to formal disciplinary action. The Met Police has acknowledged the findings.
