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Watchdog Opens Inquiry Into South Yorkshire Police Mix-Up Over Teen Crash Victims

The IOPC calls the error one with awful consequences, pledging to examine how officers identified the victims.

Overview

  • Formal forensic checks confirmed that 17-year-old Trevor Wynn is the hospitalised survivor and 18-year-old Joshua Johnson died in the December 13 Rotherham crash.
  • The IOPC said it has begun an independent investigation into the police identification process, with director Emily Barry stating it is clear something went very wrong.
  • An inquest heard that initial identification relied on items recovered at the crash scene, a factor now under scrutiny by the watchdog.
  • South Yorkshire Police self-referred to the IOPC; Assistant Chief Constable Colin McFarlane apologised and said specialist support is in place for both families and the survivor.
  • Separate criminal inquiries continue, with an 18-year-old arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and a 19-year-old on suspicion of perverting the course of justice, both on bail.