Police officer charged after fatal car chase in Bristol
The driver of the car died in hospital
A police officer has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving after a vehicle they were pursuing was involved in a fatal crash with another car in Bristol.
The 38-year-old Avon and Somerset Police constable, who has not been named, will appear before Bristol Magistrates' Court on Thursday.
In a statement, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said the officer had been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, and an alternative offence of causing death by careless driving.
A spokeswoman said: "The charge is in connection with a road traffic collision in Newfoundland Circus, in Bristol city centre, on November 5, 2021."
"The officer was driving an unmarked police vehicle and was pursuing a Volkswagen Tiguan which had failed to stop for police.
"During the pursuit the Volkswagen Tiguan collided with a Honda Jazz.
"The driver of the Honda sadly died in hospital after sustaining serious injuries in the collision."
The IOPC said it investigated the incident following a mandatory referral from Avon and Somerset Police in November 2021.
A file was then sent to the Crown Prosecution Service, which authorised the charges against the officer.
The spokeswoman added: "We have been advised by the officer's representatives that they are applying to the court to keep their identity anonymous, so we are unable to name the officer at this stage."