Officers in car which fatally struck Birmingham dad ‘acted appropriately’ – watchdog concludes
Police officers who were in a car which fatally struck a father-of-two while responding to an emergency call “acted appropriately”, a watchdog has found.
Roger Bagnall, 40, was crossing Yardley Road in Acocks Green, Birmingham, at around 7pm on March 19 2025 when he was hit by a double-crewed police car responding to reports that a man had been seen nearby carrying knives.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said CCTV footage showed that Mr Bagnall stepped into the road as the police car, which had its emergency lights and sirens on, approached at a speed of between 55 and 61mph.
The driver slowed the car to between 25 and 35mph and appeared to try to steer around Mr Bagnall, the IOPC said, but the father ran into the path of the vehicle in what appeared to be an attempt to run across the road.
An inquest into Mr Bagnall’s death at Birmingham Coroner’s Court concluded on Friday that he died as a result of a road traffic collision, the IOPC said.
IOPC director Derrick Campbell said: “Our sympathies are with Mr Bagnall’s family and friends, and to all those affected by his death and the tragic nature of it.
“In line with our role we independently looked at the circumstances of the collision, along with the actions and decisions of the officers involved.
“We found that they had acted appropriately and in line with police policies and procedures. There was no indication they had behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings, or committed a criminal offence.
“We provided the coroner with our investigation report to assist with the inquest proceedings and help provide answers to any questions about what happened that evening.”
Mr Bagnall was described by his “devastated” family as a “beloved partner, dad, brother and son” in a tribute.
His relatives had said: “Roger had the biggest heart and loved to make everyone smile with his humour and wit. We loved him very much and will miss him dearly, but we take comfort in the fact his spirit will live on through his children.”
