An investigation has been launched by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) into circumstances leading up to the death of a pedestrian on the A12.

Essex Police received three 999 calls between 3am and 3.39am reporting a man walking along the A12 between Chelmsford and Witham on October 30.

A search by officers failed to find the man, but following another emergency call they found a body on the road.

The man was identified as Kyle Brooks, 28, and he had been hit by a number of vehicles.

An inquest has been opened and adjourned into his death.

The IPCC, which has met with Mr Brook’s family, announced today it is investigating the Essex Police response to the 999 calls alerting them to the pedestrian.

Mary Cunneen, IPCC commissioner, said: “I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the family of Mr Brooks at this difficult time.

“We will be examining communication between police call handlers and the officers who conducted the search, and whether Essex Police’s response was adequate on the basis of information available.”

The announcement comes after it was revealed yesterday that the IPCC launched five investigations into the force between July and September.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “Due to the fact the IPCC are investigating it would not appropriate for us to comment.”