Police admit need to update equipment after couple die when van hits their car

Police chiefs have accepted they need to update their equipment for smashing car windows after a couple died when a speeding van being chased by a cop car hit their car.

Officers jumped out of their patrol vehicle in Eltham and tried to smash the window of the couple’s car but their standard issue hammer did not work.

One police driver had to use his baton instead to try and release them. But the couple, Robert and Shirley Wigzell, both aged 71, died at the scene in Footscray Road, a year ago.

The van driver, Ben Ord, 41, from Eltham, has since been jailed for nine years after pleading guilty to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct has now said it is satisfied the pursuit was justified, necessary and proportionate, and carried out in-line with procedures – and did not find any evidence of misconduct.

The National Police Chiefs’ council (NPCC) and the Met have accepted learning recommendations after a probe by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) into the collision.

The IOPC recommended the NPCC considers monitoring ‘life hammers’ and replacing them when necessary – the hammers are used by officers who need to break their windows if they need to escape their own cars. The instruments become blunt and ineffective over time.

The watchdog also recommended officers receive training on using them and what alternatives may be more effective. The IOPC also wants forces to look at tools which could break all kinds of windows, including laminated ones.

The NPCC will now write to all chief constables in England and Wales advising them to consider the recommendations.

The IOPC began an investigation which found the pursuit of the van lasted about 30 seconds.

A pathologist found no evidence the delay in getting into the Wigzell’s car contributed to their death.

Regional director Sal Naseem said: “Our thoughts and sympathies remain with the family and friends of Mr and Mrs Wigzell and all those affected by the events that February evening.

“This was a tragic event and our investigation concluded officers made every attempt to assist Mr and Mrs Wigzell at the scene.

“As part of our investigation, we identified, on a national level, there was an absence of guidance surrounding the use of life hammers, specifically in relation to officer training and replacing the kit when they become ineffective.

“I am pleased the National Police Chiefs’ Council and Metropolitan Police Service have accepted these recommendations and hope this will bring about change.”

The IOPC spoke to the officers and witnesses, spoke to experts, reviewed body-worn camera and dash-camera footage and assessed Met procedures, concluding last August.