A man has died after armed police stopped a car as part of a murder investigation into the discovery of a body in a field. Leicestershire Police said armed officers stopped a car on the A52 Bingham bypass in Nottinghamshire at around 12.30am today (Thursday, November 9) as part of the murder investigation which was launched after a body was found in a field in Plungar on Tuesday, November 7.
When police approached the car they found that the 46-year-old male driver had suffered a serious head injury. There was a non-police issue gun inside the silver Mazda, the Independent Office for Police Conduct said.
Despite immediate first aid being provided, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has begun an independent investigation into the man’s death.
Leicestershire Police has said it will fully cooperate with the investigation. An IOPC spokesperson said: “Early today (Thursday) we were notified by Leicestershire Police about an incident at around 12.30am on the A52 Bingham bypass in Nottinghamshire where armed officers involved in a murder investigation had followed a man driving a silver coloured Mazda Tamura.
“We were advised that, after making the vehicle stop, the officers found the 46-year-old driver had a serious head injury and gave immediate first aid. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene. A non-police issue firearm was also discovered in the vehicle. The coroner has been informed.
“After being notified by the force we sent investigators to the scene and to the police post-incident procedures in Leicester. We have since declared an independent investigation, and that will consider the circumstances of the police involvement. Initial accounts have been provided by officers involved and we have also gathered police body worn footage for review.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who died, and all those affected by this incident.”
Road closures remain in place on the A52 Bingham bypass. Meanwhile, a cordon remains in place off Highgate Lane, with Leicestershire Police still investigating the scene.
Police were called to the scene, off Highgate Lane, at 3.30pm on Tuesday (Ocober 7) following the discovery of the man’s body. It was reported the man, who was in his 40s, was believed to have suffered a head injury and his death is being treated as suspicious. In the early hours of yesterday morning (Wednesday), a 56-year-old man from Grantham was arrested on suspicion of murder.
He has since been released under investigation. Senior Investigating Officer in the murder investigation, Detective Inspector David Greenhalgh, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU), said: “Our enquiries following the discovery of a man’s body in Plungar remain ongoing as we continue to establish the full circumstances of what has happened. Specialist officers are providing support to the man’s family at this time.
“Thank you to everyone who has provided information to us and for your continued support at this time.” Anyone with any information can report online at www.leics.police.uk or by calling 101 quoting reference 23*690816.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
