Woman killed in crash after ‘stinger’ used during police chase

A motorist has died in a crash after a car being followed by police failed to stop during a 15-minute chase.

Police said the 28-year-old woman’s car was hit by a Renault Scenic which “continued at speed” after a stinger device was deployed by officers in Bearwood, near Birmingham, on Tuesday night.

West Midlands Police said the woman was pronounced dead at the scene, around seven miles away from where officers first spotted the speeding Renault in Erdington, Birmingham.

A 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of death by dangerous driving, and driving under the influence of drugs. He remains in police custody.

The force said in a statement: “Police officers on routine patrol spotted a speeding grey Renault Scenic around 11.30pm in Gravelly Hill, Erdington, which failed to stop.

“They pursued the car for 15 minutes until a stinger was deployed on Bearwood Road, however the Renault continued at speed and collided with a car at the junction with Hagley Road.

“A 28-year-old woman in the third party vehicle sustained serious injuries and, despite the best efforts of medical professionals, she was pronounced dead at the scene.”

The woman’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by our specialist family liaison unit.

The West Midlands force said the incident had been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

An ambulance service spokeswoman said: “When ambulance staff arrived on scene, police officers were already performing CPR on a woman, the driver of one of the cars involved.

“Ambulance staff quickly took over resuscitation efforts but sadly nothing could be done to save the woman and she was confirmed dead a short time later on scene.

“The driver of the second car, a man, sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital for further checks.”