THE police watchdog will not investigate North Yorkshire Police over its handling of an incident that left a pedestrian dead.

On Saturday, January 19, Douglas Robertson was killed when he was hit by a Range Rover as he walked from his Stokesley home to the town centre, to buy lunch.

North Yorkshire Police referred the case to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

It was handed over to the IPCC because police had already been aware of the vehicle that morning after it had been involved in two other incidents before the fatal accident.

After detailed consideration, the IPCC has now passed the case back to North Yorkshire Police for local investigation.

A police spokeswoman said: “A full investigation into the collision is currently underway to bring those responsible to justice and at this stage there is no evidence to suggest any separate investigation into the conduct of officers prior to the collision is necessary.

“At the conclusion of the criminal investigation, when all evidence has been gathered, the force will make a decision as to whether or not any further action is necessary in relation to North Yorkshire Police’s prior involvement with the vehicle.”

Several people have been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.