South Yorkshire police told the wrong family a teenager had died in crash

South Yorkshire Police says it misidentified two teenage victims after a December crash and has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct; the force says families are being offered specialist support.

South Yorkshire Police has said it told the wrong family that a teenager had died following a road collision in mid-December. The force reported that concerns about the identities of those involved prompted further formal identification checks, including forensic processes. Assistant Chief Constable Colin McFarlane said the force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct and offered to meet both sets of parents. The force also said specialist support has been arranged for the families. Known details: - The misidentification followed a collision on 13 December near Rotherham, the force reported. - The error was identified after "concerns were raised" and additional formal identification and forensic checks were carried out. - South Yorkshire Police has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which is assessing the referral to determine whether an investigation is required. - Assistant Chief Constable Colin McFarlane said he had offered to meet both sets of parents and that specialist agencies are supporting the families. - Two people arrested in connection with the crash remain on bail pending further enquiries. Summary: The force says the misidentification has caused additional trauma and that it is supporting the families involved. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is assessing the referral to decide whether to open a formal investigation. Two people arrested over the collision remain on bail as enquiries continue.