TWO DEAD IN POLICE PURSUIT HORROR
THREE MEMBERS OF PUBLIC IN HOSPITAL AS VIGIL HELD AT SCENE OF CRASH
TWO men died and three members of the public were left seriously injured in hospital after a police pursuit ended in a horrific crash.
Officers in an unmarked car pursued a vehicle being driven at speed on Frederick Road, Salford, at around 11.40pm on Wednesday.
The vehicle crashed with two other cars, police said. The two men inside the pursued vehicle died at the scene.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed that three members of the public – two women and a man – were travelling in one of the cars that were hit.
They were taken to hospital with serious injuries that are not thought to be life-threatening.
The IOPC has now launched an investigation into the pursuit, which the M.E.N. understands only went on for a short period of time. Amanda Rowe, regional director at IOPC, said: “My thoughts are with the men’s family and friends after this tragic incident. We sent our investigators to the scene and to the post-incident procedures to begin gathering evidence.
“When someone dies following police contact, it is mandatory for forces to make a referral to the IOPC. Our role is to establish the circumstances of the incident and this work is already under way.”
In an earlier statement, a GMP spokesman said: “At around 11.40pm on Wednesday 23 September 2020, police observed a vehicle being driven at speed on Frederick Road, Salford.
“Officers initiated a pursuit and the vehicle in question collided with two third party vehicles.
“Two men from the vehicle in question were sadly pronounced dead a short time later. No arrests have been made. In line with normal procedure, this incident has been referred to GMP’s Professional Standards Branch and the IOPC.”
A police cordon was in place on Frederick Road from Broad Street to Lissadel Street following the smash.
A high-performance Audi that belongs to GMP was seen inside the cordon along with three other vehicles. A silver vehicle could be seen directly behind the Audi.
Last night a vigil took place at the crash scene. Images taken on Frederick Road and sent to the M.E.N. showed a long queue of traffic and cars parked up on the side of the road and a number of people congregating.
An eyewitness said they could see a number of tealights which appeared to be spelling out a person’s name. Around 15 people congregated on a bridge.
A cordon was in place and police vehicles blocked access to Lissadel Street at the junction with Broughton Road and Frederick Street. A GMP spokesman said: “At 5.55pm on Thursday, 24 September, 2020, police received reports of a large gathering on Frederick Street, Salford. Officers are in attendance. In order to maintain the safety of all involved, road closures are in place.”