AN internal police investigation is being carried out following the death of an 18-year-old North Yorkshire man.

Stephen David Hart, of Robert Street, Harrogate, had been walking across the northbound carriageway of the A1 at Baldersby, near Ripon, when he was struck by a car last Thursday at about 10pm.

His family claim they were told by police at a meeting on Saturday that the Police Complaints Authority investigation related to the fact he was given a lift by an officer in a marked squad car before his death.

Stephen's uncle, Sean Devaney, from Knaresborough, said they were told his nephew had been driven about seven miles from South Otterington to the junction of the A1 and A61, north of Dishforth.

Mr Devaney said Stephen suffered an emotional disorder and had discharged himself from Friarage Hospital in Northallerton earlier that day.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: "I can confirm that an internal investigation is being carried out into the circumstances which arose some time prior to Mr Hart's death.

"The matter has been referred voluntarily to the Police Complaints Authority and full details will be reported to the coroner for the impending investigation. No one has been suspended."

A spokesman for the PCA said North Yorkshire Police voluntarily referred the circumstances of the death to them for a supervised investigation.

It will be carried out by Detective Inspector Ian Lemon, of North Yorkshire Police professional standards department.

Authority member David Petch said: "This tragic death was referred to the

PCA for supervision because Mr Hart had been in contact with police earlier

that evening.

"Our condolences go to his family. I will ensure that a thorough report is

submitted to H M Coroner for the public inquest."

Mr Devaney told the Evening Press: "We believe the police had taken responsibility for Stephen by giving him a lift.

"We're pleased a full investigation is to be carried out before the inquest."

Updated: 11:05 Thursday, October 03, 2002