Police watchdog not probing escaped man's death

The death of a man who was hit and killed by a train after he escaped from custody will not be investigated by a police watchdog.

The suspect in his 40s was being transported from a custody suite at Stevenage police station to Hatfield Remand Court on 28 May when he assaulted two Serco security guards.

British Transport Police found his body on the track near Welwyn North railway station at about 09:40 BST.

A spokesperson for the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), said: "Following a thorough assessment, on 2 June we determined that an investigation was not required and the matter should be returned to [Hertfordshire Police] to handle as they deem appropriate."

They added: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who died, and all those affected by this incident."

Hertfordshire Police said the case was being reviewed by its professional standards department.

The man has yet to be named.

Serco said the two members of staff, who were seriously injured in the incident, had since been discharged from hospital and are recovering at home.

The IOPC added: "The force was reminded that should any evidence come to light that anyone serving with the police may have breached standards of professional behaviour or committed a criminal offence in connection with the police contact, they should refer relevant matters to us."

A Thameslink spokesperson previously confirmed one of its trains had been involved in the incident.

Do you have a story suggestion for Beds, Herts or Bucks? Contact us below.

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.