Driver killed after car crashed into Heywood pub

Photo: Google, DigitalGlobe

The White Lion pub in Heywood

A man has died after the car he was driving hit a Heywood pub in the early hours of this morning (Monday 1 July).

Greater Manchester Police has now confirmed that the car, a Dacia Sandero, was being pursued by officers, though the decision was made to discontinue the pursuit on Rochdale Road East.

Shortly after the discontinuation, the car ploughed into The White Lion pub on York Street, and burst into flames.

The male driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

As reported earlier by Rochdale Online News, York Street in the centre of the town was shut off, and has been closed between Hartley Street to Green Lane since the early hours.
 

Read more: Road closures “expected for some time” after car crashed into pub and bursts into flamesPublished: 01 July 2024

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: At around 3.15am this morning (Monday 1 July 2024), we received a report of a road traffic collision that had occurred on York Street, Heywood.

“Initial enquiries suggest that a Dacia Sandero was travelling on Bolton Road where it failed to stop for a liveried police patrol.

“Following the police contact prior to the collision, in-line with normal procedure, the matter has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

“Officers from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are appealing for witnesses to the collision or anybody with footage of the incident to come forward.”

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “Shortly after 3.15am this morning, four fire engines from Rochdale, Heywood and Bury fire stations attended a building fire on York Street, Heywood.

“Crews arrived quickly and used four hose reel jets and four breathing apparatus to extinguish the fire.

Anyone with any information, CCTV, or dashcam footage is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting log number 299 of 01/07/24.