Watchdog vows ‘robust’ probe into police van death

Donald Bennett, 83, died after being hit by the unattended vehicle in Pudsey Park, Leeds, at 2.15pm on Saturday.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has been called in to review the incident and is appealing for witnesses to come forward with information.

Investigators say their early enquiries suggest the police officer in the vehicle left the van to respond to reports of a disturbance “involving young people at the park”.

The van is believed to have rolled forward and collided with the former joiner as he sat on a wall eating an ice cream during an afternoon visit to the park with his son.

IPCC staff have visited the scene and met with members of Mr Bennett’s family at his home in Pudsey to explain the investigation.

The IPCC’s Commissioner for West Yorkshire, Cindy Butts, said last night: “This is a tragic incident in which an elderly man lost his life.

“I will ensure our investigation is robust and that it provides the answers Mr Bennett’s family and friends will understandably want.”

Mr Bennett, who is understood to be a former president of Pudsey Liberal Club, was treated by paramedics at the scene after the accident but pronounced dead shortly after.

Floral tributes were left by his family, including his grandchildren, at the spot close to the park gates where he was killed.

West Yorkshire Police has confirmed that an officer has been suspended from driving duties pending the outcome of an investigation.

The IPCC is now appealing for witnesses to what happened. Anyone with information can contact the investigation team by phoning 0800 096 9078 or emailing [email protected]