Leicestershire Police and the Independent Officer for Police Conduct release statements as A52 near Bingham, remains closed after man dies having being stopped by armed police
Further information has been released about the police incident that led to the closure of the A52 earlier today (Thursday, November 9).
A statement explaining a series of events as part of a larger murder investigation was released by Leicestershire Police.
"At around 12:30am today (Thursday), as part of the ongoing investigation, Leicestershire armed officers stopped a vehicle on the A52 Bingham bypass in Nottinghamshire,” said a spokesman from Leicestershire Police.
"Officers approached the vehicle where the male driver was found to have suffered a serious injury to his head.
"Despite the efforts of officers to provide immediate first aid to the man, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.
"In line with procedure, a mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Officer for Police Conduct (IOPC) who have begun an independent investigation into the man’s death.
"The force will fully co-operate with this investigation.
"A scene preservation remains in place in the area of Highgate Lane.
"Road closures also remain in place on the A52 Bingham bypass."
The road remains closed due to the incident.
"Detectives are continuing to investigate the death of a man who was found deceased in a field in Plungar on Tuesday afternoon (7 November)," added the spokesman from Leicestershire Police.
"Police were called to the scene, off Highgate Lane, at 3.30pm following the discovery of the man’s body.
"It was reported the man, who was in his 40s, was believed to have suffered a head injury and his death is being treated as suspicious.
"In the early hours of yesterday morning (Wednesday), a 56-year-old man from Grantham was arrested on suspicion of murder.
"He has since been released under investigation.”
An IOPC spokesperson said: “Early today (Thursday) we were notified by Leicestershire Police about an incident at around 12.30am on the A52 Bingham bypass in Nottinghamshire where armed officers involved in a murder investigation had followed a man driving a silver coloured Mazda Tamura.
“We were advised that, after making the vehicle stop, the officers found the 46-year-old driver had a serious head injury and gave immediate first aid.
"Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
"A non-police issue firearm was also discovered in the vehicle.
“The coroner has been informed.
“After being notified by the force we sent investigators to the scene and to the police post-incident procedures in Leicester.
"We have since declared an independent investigation, and that will consider the circumstances of the police involvement.
"Initial accounts have been provided by officers involved and we have also gathered police body-worn footage for review.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who died, and all those affected by this incident.”
Senior Investigating Officer in the Plungar murder investigation, Detective Inspector David Greenhalgh, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU), added: “Our inquiries following the discovery of a man’s body in Plungar remain ongoing as we continue to establish the full circumstances of what has happened.
"Specialist officers are providing support to the man’s family at this time.
“We do continue to appeal to anyone who was in the Plungar area on Tuesday afternoon or who has any information about the incident to come forward to us.
"Did you see anyone go into a field?
"Did you see or hear anything unusual or which caused you concern?
“I understand there will be concern in the community and our officers remain in the area offering reassurance as our inquiries continue.
"Please do speak with them.
“Thank you to everyone who has provided information to us and for your continued support at this time.”
Anyone with any information can report online at www.leics.police.uk or by calling 101 quoting reference 23*690816.