A police chase in South Derbyshire took a tragic turn when a man drowned after fleeing from officers and plunging into a flooded area. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning when police were pursuing a vehicle suspected of being linked to a stolen caravan. After ramming police vehicles, the suspects abandoned the car and attempted to escape on foot, leading to the unfortunate drowning of one of the individuals involved.

The police chase culminated near the village of Egginton, where extensive search efforts were conducted by both Derbyshire Police and Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service. After a prolonged search, the man's body was discovered in the floodwaters of Egginton Brook. Although medical assistance was rendered at the scene and he was transported to the Royal Derby Hospital, he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. The identity of the deceased has not yet been confirmed, and authorities are working on notifying his next of kin.

Derbyshire Police has since referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which indicates an internal review of the incident is underway. This step is standard procedure in order to ensure transparency and accountability in cases involving police pursuits that result in fatalities. It raises broader questions about police chase protocols and the risks involved in such high-stakes situations, especially during adverse weather conditions, such as those contributing to the flooded state of the waterway involved.