Criminal investigation launched after pensioner killed by police van in Nottingham

A Nottinghamshire police officer is under criminal investigation after the van they were driving hit and killed an 80-year-old man. 

Trevor Bartlett died after being hit by a police van while he was using a pedestrian crossing on the A52 Derby Road in the Beeston area of Nottingham on the evening of December 19, 2023. 

The police van involved in the collision was taking a detainee to a custody facility and was travelling in a bus lane with blue lights and sirens activated when it happened. 

Read more: Nottingham news

The constable who was driving the van has now been told by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) that they are under criminal investigation for the possible offences of causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.

The officer has also been served with a gross misconduct notice for potential breaches of police standards for professional behaviour.

After the IOPC was notified by Nottinghamshire Police, it sent investigators to the scene and began gathering evidence, including CCTV and dashcam footage.

The IOPC says that telematics data from the police van is being studied and statements have been provided by a number of independent witnesses.

IOPC Regional Director for the West Midlands, Derrick Campbell, said: “We have been in contact with Mr Bartlett’s family to express our sympathy for their tragic loss, and to explain how our investigation will be conducted.  

“Following the conclusion of our investigation, we will decide whether to refer the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision and we will also determine whether disciplinary proceedings should follow.”