The family of Hizar Hanif, who tragically lost his life in a high-speed collision on Soho Road, Handsworth, is waiting anxiously for the findings of a police conduct investigation — which will not be released until after the inquest into his death concludes.
On the evening of February 18, 2024, Mohammed Ali, 27, of Birchfield, collided with the back of Mr. Hanif’s BMW and other vehicles while driving an Audi at nearly 90 mph. The crash claimed Mr. Hanif’s life and left another woman seriously injured.
At Birmingham Crown Court earlier this month, Ali pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and assaulting an emergency worker. He received a seven-year prison sentence and was banned from driving for four and a half years. The court heard that Ali had experienced a relapse of a mental health condition, likely schizophrenia, before the crash.
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The Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) has been investigating West Midlands Police’s handling of earlier incidents involving Ali at a health unit on February 17, 2024, the day prior to the crash. West Midlands Police referred themselves to the IOPC to examine whether any opportunities were missed to prevent the tragedy.
The IOPC completed its investigation in August 2024 but will withhold publishing the results until the inquest into Mr. Hanif’s death is finished. An IOPC spokesperson explained that the investigation assessed the police response to calls about Ali and whether the actions complied with relevant laws and policies. Officers and staff involved were treated as witnesses during the inquiry to ensure a thorough and impartial review.
The spokesperson expressed condolences to Mr. Hanif’s family and all those affected by the incident.
Mr. Hanif, a loving father and devoted family man from Handsworth, ran Checkpoint Tyres in Aston. Known for his kindness and warmth, he was sitting with a close friend when the accident occurred.
In a heartfelt statement read during sentencing, Mr. Hanif’s wife, Kiran Khanum, described losing her husband, her “soulmate” and “the heart of our family.” She spoke of the pain her son feels from never having enough time with his father and expressed deep sorrow over their stolen future. “He died on a cold and dirty road without his loved ones by his side,” she said. “I’m angry I never got to say goodbye… Our best days were ahead of us and have been stolen from us.”