A CRASH, in which three people were injured near Droitwich, is to be investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

The incident began just after 1am on Tuesday, November 2, when a grey Nissan X-Trail 4x4, stolen from Birmingham, was seen in Worcester.

The car allegedly failed to stop for a marked police car and was then pursued onto the A38.

After seven miles the car lost control at Copcut Island roundabout, Droitwich.

The car was badly damaged and all three occupants suffered injuries. One man suffered a broken arm and one woman minor injuries. They were taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

Following their release from hospital they were arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and released on police bail.

Another man was taken to Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham, with a serious head injury, which is not thought to be life-threatening.

West Mercia Constabulary voluntarily referred the inquiry into the incident to the commission and commissioner John Crawley took the decision that the investigation should be managed by it.

"I have decided that the IPCC will manage the investigation into the way in which this incident was handled, from the first sighting, the pursuit, the crash and the way in which the incident was subsequently handled," he said.

"This is a standard approach in any serious incident and does not imply police fault.''

Anyone with any information on the incident is asked to contact West Mercia Police on 08457 444 888, quoting reference 16C/021104.