Two boys, 16 & 17, killed in crash after armed cops ‘tried to stop’ their BMW but ‘gave up’ chase before car hit tree

TWO boys aged 16 and 17 were killed in a crash after armed cops reportedly tried to stop their BMW.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is appealing for witnesses after the motor hit a tree killing the pair and injuring three other passengers.

The investigative body says officers tried to stop the car in Handsworth, Birmingham, just before 2am Thursday due to how it was being driven.

But, the IOPC says it understands "the silver coloured BMW failed to stop" and a pursuit was begun but "abandoned".

They write: "A short time later police came across the BMW which had crashed into a tree outside the Grove pub in Grove Lane, Handsworth."

The 17-year-old was a passenger in the car and died at the scene, while the 16-year-old was the driver and died later in hospital.

Three other passengers were taken to hospital with injuries believed to not be life threatening.

Investigators have already gone door-to-door around the area looking for CCTV and witness' accounts.

IOPC Regional Director Derrick Campbell said: “Our sympathies and thoughts remain with the families of the boys who died and all those affected by this tragic incident.

"We have contacted the boys’ families to pass on our condolences and explain our role.

“We believe there would have been drivers and other people in that area who may have seen or heard something that might assist our investigation.

"I would encourage anyone who has dashcam or other footage, or else witnessed the pursuit, the collision or the immediate aftermath to contact our incident line.

“It is vitally important the circumstances of the incident are subject to an independent investigation so we can fully understand what happened and ensure the full facts are brought to light."

The IOPC is appealing for anyone who witnessed any part of the incident to contact them by calling 0300 303 5611 or emailing grovelane@policeconduct.gov.uk