Police actions are being investigated after a woman died in a crash between Watford and St Albans that followed a pursuit on the M25.

At around 4am yesterday morning (Sunday, February 4), Hertfordshire Constabulary were in pursuit of a van before the van was involved in a crash with three other vehicles.

Following the collision, Hertfordshire police confirmed that a woman had sadly passed away, and that the incident had been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

No police cars were involved in the crash, with the pursuit having "stood down" prior to the collision taking place.

The road was closed for much of yesterday, with all lanes reopened by 9.50pm.

An IOPC spokesperson said: “We are investigating police actions prior to a fatal road traffic collision on the M25.

"We understand that at around 4am on Sunday (February 4), Hertfordshire Constabulary were in pursuit of a van before the van was involved in a collision.

"The incident, involving three other vehicles, was between Watford and St Albans.

"No police vehicles were involved in the collision and the pursuit had been stood down prior to the collision.

"We sent our investigators to the scene and to the post incident procedure to begin the process of gathering information."

"Our investigation is in the very early stages."

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Constabulary added: “Officers were in pursuit of a van before the van was involved in a collision with three other vehicles.

“No police vehicles were involved in the collision and the pursuit had been stood down prior to the collision.

“A woman has sadly passed away and her family are being supported by specially trained officers.

“As a matter of course, the incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.”