Pedestrian dies after Taunton police pursuit crash

A pedestrian has died after being struck by a car during a police pursuit.

Avon and Somerset Police said officers in a marked patrol vehicle were pursuing a car in East Reach, Taunton, at about 23:15 GMT on Friday, moments before the collision.

The pursued car later collided with a pedestrian, a 73-year-old man. He was taken to hospital in a critical condition but died from his injuries on Sunday afternoon, the force added.

Jack Hawkings, 23, from Wellington in Somerset, was remanded in custody when he appeared at Taunton Magistrates’ Court earlier, charged with death by dangerous driving and driving without insurance or a licence.

Hawkings’ previous charge of causing serious injury by dangerous driving was upgraded to the more serious charge after the pedestrian died.

A charge of failing to stop for police was also withdrawn earlier.