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Cleared: Policeman found not guilty over Chinese student's road death

A West Midlands Police officer from Stourbridge was today cleared of causing death by careless driving of a student.

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PC Vaughan Lowe was responding to reports of a stolen vehicle in his unmarked black BMW 330d when Xuan Wei Zhang, 24, stepped out onto Newtown Row in the Newtown area of Birmingham.

The Chinese youngster died the day after the accient, which happened at around 7pm on April 2012 last year while the car's lights and sirens were activated.

He was found not guilty by a jury on the 10th day of his trial at Warwick Crown Court today.

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Cann, from West Midlands Police, said: "On behalf of the entire force I once again extend our heartfelt condolences to Xuan Wei's family and friends. No parent should have to lose a child in such tragic circumstances and I am very sorry for their loss.

"There are no winners as a result of today's verdict. A family remain grieving for a loved one and a highly skilled police officer who has dedicated his life to public service - and who had an otherwise unblemished driving history - will forever be haunted by the events of that night."

PC Lowe was suspended from driving police cars but remained active as a police officer until November 2013 when the Crown Prosecution Service decided to charge the officer. The 43-year-old - who joined the force in 1990 and the Traffic Unit 10 years later - was then suspended from the force pending trial. PC Lowe's suspension will now be reviewed.

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