Witness re-appeal to fatal traffic collision: Tilehurst Road, Reading
(RG30 - Tuesday, 2 February, 2010)

Thames Valley Police is continuing to appeal for witnesses to a collision that occurred in Tilehurst Road, Reading on Wednesday (27/1).

At around 11.18pm, a patrolling roads police vehicle saw a Ford Mondeo drive through a red traffic signal at the junction of Castle Hill and the Tilehurst Road.

Following the illumination of blue lights on the police vehicle, the Mondeo accelerated away along Tilehurst Road.

A short distance later, at the junction with Western Elms Avenue, the Mondeo collided with the rear of a blue Chevrolet Matiz, which had been travelling in the same direction.

The two occupants of the Chevrolet Matiz, a 54-year-old man and a 49-year-old woman, died at the scene.

The driver of the Mondeo, a 31-year-old man, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

He has been detained under the mental health act and is on police bail until Monday 1 March.

Sgt James Upton, who is leading the investigation, said:

"Following the appeal last week, the driver of the light coloured van came forward and is currently helping us with our enquiries.

"We are now trying to trace some more witnesses that may have important information to assist our investigation

"Firstly we would like to speak to two pedestrians who crossed Coley Avenue, at the junction with Castle Hill, around the time of the collision.

"They walked up Castle Hill towards Calcot."

"We would also like to speak to a man who walked passed the collision scene just after it had happened.

"He is white, middle aged, and was wearing a dark jacket and dark trousers, and carrying a dark bag." added Sgt. Upton.

"We would also like to hear from any pedestrians that were in the area of Castle Hill, Coley Avenue and Russell Street that may have seen the Ford Mondeo or the police vehicle prior to the collision."

The first potential witness is described as:

• male
• wearing a light coloured hooded top, dark trousers or jeans and light trainers

The second potential witness is described as:

• male
• wearing a dark hooded top, dark trousers and dark trainers

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to a collision that occurred in Tilehurst Road, Reading, yesterday (27/1).

At around 11.18pm, a patrolling roads police vehicle saw a Ford Mondeo drive through a red traffic signal at the junction of Castle Hill and the Tilehurst Road.

Following the illumination of blue lights on the police vehicle, the Mondeo accelerated away along Tilehurst Road.

A short distance later, at the junction with Western Elms Avenue, the Mondeo collided with the rear of a blue Chevrolet Matiz, which had been travelling in the same direction.

The two occupants of the Chevrolet Matiz, a 54-year-old man and a 49-year-old woman, died at the scene.

The driver of the Mondeo, a 31-year-old man, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

He has been detained under the mental health act and is on police bail until Monday 1 March.

The next of kin are being supported by family and a police family liaison officer.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission have attended the scene and are currently assessing the incident.

Insp John Relph, who is leading the investigation, said:

"This is a tragic incident in which two people have lost their lives.

"We have a team of officers working on the investigation into this collision.

"We would like to hear from anyone that may have witnessed this collision.

"We would especially like to hear from the driver of a white van or mini-bus that was travelling along the Tilehurst Road towards Reading and turned into Southcote Road at the time of the collision."

Any witnesses to the incident are asked to contact Insp John Relph at Thames Valley Police via 0845 8 505 505.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police Force: Thames Valley

Address:
Tilehurst Road
Reading
BERKSHIRE
RG30