Executive Summary
- Essex Police confirmed no criminal charges will be filed regarding the fatal A120 crash at Coggeshall.
- A man in his 40s initially arrested in connection with the incident faces no further police action.
- Detectives have ruled out the initial hit-and-run theory after establishing an accurate picture of the event.
- A file is being prepared for the Essex Coroner’s Service to determine the official cause of death.
Essex Police have confirmed that no criminal charges will be brought against a driver previously arrested in connection with a fatal multi-vehicle collision on the A120 at Coggeshall earlier this year. Authorities stated on Thursday that the investigation has concluded with no drivers facing prosecution regarding the incident, which resulted in the death of a man in his 50s.
The crash occurred on the Colchester-bound carriageway shortly before 07:00 GMT on January 3. According to police reports, a man in his 40s was initially arrested in connection with the collision. However, detectives now state that neither the arrested individual nor any other driver involved will face further police action.
Investigators initially treated the scene as a suspected hit-and-run, issuing appeals for information regarding a white van found on fire nearby. Following a thorough inquiry, Essex Police indicated they have built an “accurate picture” of the events and are no longer seeking additional suspects. Detective Inspector Mark Fraser described the circumstances surrounding the death as “tragic” and noted that the force’s thoughts remain with the victim’s family and friends.
Procedural Next Steps
With the criminal aspect of the investigation closed, the focus now shifts to the coronial process. Essex Police are finalizing a file to be handed to the Essex Coroner’s Service, which will hold an inquest to formally determine the medical cause of death and the specific circumstances of the accident absent criminal liability. It is important to note that while an arrest was made during the preliminary phase of the investigation, the individual has been cleared of suspicion, underscoring the legal principle that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
