Man dies after ending up in floodwater during police chase in south Derbyshire

A man has died after he entered floodwater during a police chase in south Derbyshire.

Officers had been pursuing a vehicle towing a caravan that was believed to have been stolen from Oakerthorpe, Derbyshire Police said.

During the pursuit early yesterday morning (Saturday 14th February 2026) the occupants of the vehicle rammed police cars before coming to a stop near Egginton, the force added.

Police said both men fled the vehicle and one arrest was made a short time later.

A second man entered the flooded Egginton Brook near the junction of Main Street and Ash Grove Lane.

After searches by police and Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service over several hours, the man was recovered from the water.

He was treated by ambulance crews at the scene and taken to Royal Derby Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said.

Because the death happened after police contact, the force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Formal identification of the deceased man has not yet taken place and efforts are ongoing to trace his next of kin, the force added.

Adrian Osiecki, 34, from Harnall Lane West, Coventry, has been charged with dangerous driving, including failing to stop for police and criminal damage to police vehicles; driving without insurance; driving while disqualified and theft of a caravan.

He is due to appear at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court tomorrow (Monday 16th February 2026).

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