Whitehawk crash victim named (From The Argus)

Whitehawk crash victim named

6:52pm Saturday 9th February 2008

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A teenager who died in a car being followed by police has been named by friends.

Matt Sadler, 17, was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital early on Saturday morning but died of his injuries.

A police patrol car saw a red Mazda containing three men and two women, all from Whitehawk, being driven erratically in Bevendean, Brighton, at 1am on Saturday, and signalled it to stop.

The driver did not respond and was followed by a police car to Whitehawk, Brighton. He crashed into a brick wall in Wilson Avenue and careered through two gardens.

All five were taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital.

Matty died and a 16-year-old youth remains in critical condition.

A 15-year-old girl was discharged earlier today and the 15-year-old driver and another 15-year-old girl are recovering.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission(IPCC) has launched an investigation into the crash and has deployed two investigators to the scene.

IPCC commissioner Tom Davies said: "My condolences go to the family and friends of the dead man.

"This must have been a traumatic incident for everybody involved, including the members of the emergency services who attended.

"The IPCC investigation will be independent and proportionate."

Some 14 police cars, a fire engine and police helicopter were called to the scene, according to a neighbour.

Sussex Police arrested the driver of the car who tried to flee but was located by the police helicopter.

Warren Morgan, Whitehawk councillor and chairman of the Whitehawk Crime Prevention Forum, said: "My thoughts are with the families of those people involved in the crash.

"If it is confirmed that they are from Whitehawk I am sure that the strong local community there will want to focus on supporting those families as they deal with what has happened.

"The Independent Police Complaints Commission are investigating what took place and everyone should await the outcome of that investigation before giving any further reaction."

Mary Mears, deputy leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, said: "It is very tragic and we will be working with the community to help them through."

A spokeswoman for the South East Ambulance Service said: "We did everything we could to save the patient.

"This was a dreadful incident and our thoughts are with the families."

IPCC said it could not comment on the identity of the dead teenager.

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