A man has died after crashing his car into a tree during a police pursuit near Luton.

The incident began in Dunstable, where Bedfordshire Police officers in a marked patrol car spotted a grey Audi travelling along High Street South without its lights on.

When officers attempted to deal with the vehicle, the driver failed to stop. A pursuit began immediately as the Audi made off at speed along the A5183 heading towards Markyate.

Just minutes later, at around 10.37pm, the grey Audi left the carriageway and collided with a tree.

Police have confirmed that no other vehicles were involved in the crash.

Officers who had been pursuing the vehicle immediately began administering first aid at the roadside. They were supported shortly afterwards by arriving emergency services crews who took over medical care.

Despite the efforts of emergency responders at the scene, the driver could not be saved. He was pronounced dead shortly before 11.30pm.

Bedfordshire Police have confirmed that the driver's next of kin have been informed and are currently being supported by specialist officers.

What we do not know at this stage is the man's identity or why the vehicle was being driven without lights, as police have not yet released those details.

Following the collision, emergency services closed a section of the nearby A5, putting a cordon in place between the Kensworth Turn and Caddington while they worked at the scene. That road has now been reopened to traffic.

Because the death followed direct contact with police, Bedfordshire Police made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) under standard procedures. Detectives from the watchdog have now launched a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the pursuit.

I'll be following this one closely as the IOPC begins its inquiries — check back for updates as more information is confirmed.