I am the Senior Investigating Officer for Operation Southend, a Lancashire Constabulary investigation into a fatal fail to stop RTC, which occurred on 29th September 2024.

The brief circumstances are that the victim, who was five and a half months pregnant, was crossing a pedestrian crossing on Station Road, Bamber Bridge when she was hit by a vehicle travelling at high speed. This vehicle failed to stop at the scene. The victim was taken to hospital where her premature baby was delivered. The baby body lived for nearly six hours before sadly passing away, due to injuries sustained in the collision. The mother of the baby was seriously injured and still to this date is recovering from injuries that are life changing.

This investigation was picked up by Lancashire’s Force Major Investigation Team in conjunction with the Serious Collision Unit. It was quickly established that the offending vehicle was a Toyota Prius and the offenders had managed to move the vehicle out of the area. A key aspect of the investigation was securing evidence that would link the vehicle to the scene. A large number of CCTV recoveries were made in the area of the RTC and in the absence of a forensic link between victim and vehicle I decided to instruct Dave UK Ltd to conduct expert analysis on several pieces of CCTV and comment on whether the same vehicle featured in the footage.

Dave UK Ltd were professional and helpful from the outset. Setting clear terms of reference, which ensured independence and transparency, they delivered their conclusions within the agreed timescales. The investigation team found them approachable, highly professional and clearly subject matter experts in the field of CCTV review, presentation and vehicle identification. Both Paul and Martyn come with a wealth of experience and professional credibility and this clearly showed.

The report they produced was first class and delivered on the key aspect of identifying the suspect vehicle as being present at the scene. Their findings were explained in an easy-to-follow format which explained in fine grain detail their findings and conclusions.

On 4th June 2025 at Preston Crown Court Ashir Shahid (20 years) pleaded guilty to death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. On 14th August 2025 he was sentenced to 13 years imprisonment. A key component in the success of this investigation was the expert report completed by Dave Uk Ltd and I would have no hesitation in recommending them expertise to others.

'I had the privilege to work with Paul and Martyn for some years within Greater Manchester Police. Both are consummate professionals with exceptional skill, dedication and determination to deliver. 

Marytn and Paul have been instrumental in the detection, prosecution and conviction of many offenders for the most serious offences. They were both outstanding officers and I wish them well in their endeavours after policing, which I am sure they will be successful in.

"We are writing to express our deepest gratitude to Paul Rees and his team for their exceptional efforts in the serious crime division.

For the past two years, our family endured terror at the hands of a perpetrator who repeatedly vandalized our property and attempted to harm us. The situation escalated when he tried to hire someone to set fire to our home and cars, as well as orchestrate assaults and robberies against us.

Paul Rees took charge of the situation when the threat became alarming. Through his leadership, the perpetrator was captured on video attempting to recruit an accomplice for his crimes. Paul assembled a dedicated team committed to seeing justice served while also showing genuine care for our well-being.

Thanks to Paul's efforts, the perpetrator was convicted and received a significant custodial sentence. We cannot adequately express our gratitude for Paul's professionalism and dedication to his duty. He is a true credit to Surrey Police and Greater Manchester Police, and we are immensely thankful for his service."