TRIBUTES have been paid to a dad who died in Acocks Green after he was struck by a West Midlands Police car responding to a 999 call.
Roger Bagnall, 40, was crossing Yardley Road near the junction with Florence Road at around 7pm on March 19 when he was hit by a double-crewed police car responding to reports that a man had been seen nearby carrying knives.
Sadly Roger was confirmed dead at the scene by paramedics despite first aid being provided by police officers prior to their arrival.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) opened an investigation the same evening and sent investigators to the police post incident procedure and to the scene to gather evidence.
IOPC Director Derrick Campbell said that an appeal for information had brought forward witnesses with CCTV footage, which confirmed the police vehicle’s sirens were activated along with its blue lights at the time of the collision.
Mr Campell said: “Our thoughts are with Mr Bagnall’s family and friends, and to all those affected by his death in such tragic circumstances. We have met with his family to explain our role, offer support, and to outline the next steps of our independent investigation.
“Those inquiries are progressing and I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who came forward with CCTV footage as a result of our media appeal. This has proved valuable to our investigation.”
Floral tributes have been left in honour of Roger by family, friends, loved ones and well wishes.
Ella and Jo wrote: “To Rog we’re all going to miss you so so much. Thank you for being a rock to us all.”
Another read: “Roger, rest in peace. Thank you for giving my sister the best 14 years of her life. Things will never be the same without you. Going to miss your jokes and sense of humour. Forever in our hearts. Jack and Carly.”
One simply said: “Rest peacefully Rog. You’ll be so missed.”
Mr Campbell said that, contrary to some social media reports, the IOPC have established that Rogel was not on a crossing or wearing earphones when he was struck, adding: “We would urge people not to speculate, which can be unhelpful and cause unnecessary distress.
“Our role is to independently investigate the involvement of police in this collision to establish all the circumstances surrounding it. That will include looking at any actions taken by the officers and whether those followed policy and procedure.”
So far, the IOPC have obtained initial accounts from the officers involved, who are being treated as witnesses and investigators have carried out house to house inquiries, gathered police body worn video for review, and have also recovered dashcam footage and CCTV from the area.
The IOPC is still appealing for anyone who witnessed any part of the incident to contact them as soon as possible by calling 0300 3035606 or emailing [email protected].
