Police were following stolen car that crashed at Emstrey Island
A car that crashed, killing the driver, at Emstrey Island early today was being followed by police after it was reported stolen during a burglary.
West Mercia Police officers were called just before 2am today to a burglary at a home in Craven Arms.
Officers became aware of the red Vauxhall Corsa reported as stolen in the burglary and followed the vehicle when it was seen on the A5 near Shrewsbury.
At approximately 2.15am the Corsa collided with a lamp post and left the road.
A man in his 20s from the West Midlands, who was believed to be driving the vehicle, was declared dead at the scene by medics. His family and the coroner have been informed.
A 19-year-old man who was also in the vehicle was taken to hospital with life-changing injuries.
West Mercia Police has referred the incident to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), which is standard practice in such circumstances.
The A5 remains closed whilst police and collision investigators examine the scene.
Superintendent Lee Davenport of West Mercia Police said: “There is a significant amount of work ongoing with regards to the burglary and collision investigations and so it would be inappropriate for us to give any further details at this time.
“However, we will continue to work with the Highways Agency to open the road again as soon as possible and will be updating the public about the road closures via the local press and our Twitter accounts.
“The National Police Air Service helicopter is supporting West Mercia Police by monitoring the traffic.
“We would like to thank road users in the area for their patience while the investigation continues.”
Officers are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision to call police on telephone 101 quoting incident number 0066s 060614
