Watchdog investigates after man dies following police chase

GMP say the police chase was called off before the car crashed into a pub and the driver was killed

The independent police watchdog has launched an investigation following the death of a driver pursued by Greater Manchester Police.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene after the Dacia Sandero he was driving crashed into the side of the White Lion pub on York Street, Heywood, at approximately 3.15am yesterday (Monday 1 July).

Greater Manchester Police reported that officers in a marked vehicle had attempted to stop the car moments before the collision.

The driver failed to stop, leading to a brief chase onto Rochdale Road East. According to a police spokesperson, the pursuit was called off 'a few moments later'.
 

Read more: Driver killed after car crashed into Heywood pubPublished: 01 July 2024

Today (Tuesday 2 July) it has been confirmed that the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into the case. 

A spokesperson for the IOPC said: "Following a referral from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) we have started an independent investigation into the circumstances of a fatal collision on York Street in Heywood.

“We were notified by the force that a car had collided into the White Lion pub at 3.15am this morning after reportedly failing to stop for police officers minutes before the incident. Sadly, the male driver of the vehicle died at the scene.

“We sent investigators to the scene, as well as to the police post-incident procedures, to begin gathering evidence. An independent investigation was declared shortly before 5am.

“Our thoughts are with all of those affected by this tragic incident. Our investigation is in its very early stages.”

A GMP spokesperson said: “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.”

Any witnesses, or anyone with CCTV or dash cam footage, should now contact GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit.