Pedestrian Dies After Police Pursuit Crash in Taunton

A pedestrian has died following a collision with a car during a police pursuit in Taunton town centre. Avon and Somerset Police said officers in a marked patrol vehicle were pursuing a car on East Reach at about 23:15 GMT on Friday. The pedestrian, a 73-year-old man, was struck by the pursued car and taken to hospital in critical condition. He died from his injuries on Sunday afternoon.

Jack Hawkings, 23, from Wellington in Somerset, appeared at Taunton Magistrates' Court charged with death by dangerous driving, driving without insurance, and driving without a licence. The charge of causing serious injury by dangerous driving was upgraded after the pedestrian's death. A previous charge of failing to stop for police was withdrawn.

Avon and Somerset Police said the incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. Officers ended the pursuit after the crash and provided emergency treatment to the man. Two women, aged 21 and 22, who were arrested at the same time as Hawkings, have been released on conditional bail. Hawkings is due to appear at Taunton Crown Court on 11 December. Police are urging anyone with information about the collision to come forward.