Two lifeless after police chase crash as BMW driver arrested and power referral made

A 22-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene, while a 23-year-old woman was declared dead in hospital shortly afterwards following the Leeds crash

Two individuals have died following a car crash involving a vehicle being chased by police, authorities have confirmed. The pursuit began at 12.44am on Sunday after a blue BMW 123D refused to stop for a police car on Gelderd Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire Police stated.

The BMW then smashed into a white Volkswagen Scirocco that was turning into Gelderd Road from Lowfields Road. The Volkswagen’s driver, a 22 year old man from York, was pronounced dead at the scene, while a passenger in the same car, a 23 year old woman, also from York, was declared dead in hospital shortly after, the force confirmed.

A 39 year old man from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving while over the prescribed limit for cannabis in relation to the incident and remains in custody, reports Wales Online.

Three additional occupants of the BMW – two boys aged 16 and 17 and a 16 year old girl – were taken to hospital for treatment of injuries not thought to be life-threatening. All three were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

West Yorkshire Police has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which has launched an independent investigation.

A spokesperson for the IOPC stated: “We have started an independent investigation after a fatal road traffic collision in Leeds following a pursuit involving West Yorkshire Police.”

They added: “After we were notified by West Yorkshire Police we declared an independent investigation at around 2.30am and sent investigators to the scene and police post incident procedure to begin gathering evidence.

“Our inquiries are at a very early stage.”

The junction where the crash took place is surrounded by several car dealerships. Pictures shared on social media throughout the night appeared to show a stretch of Gelderd Road sealed off, with a fire engine, multiple police vehicles and ambulances visible at the scene.

The images also seemed to show a dark-coloured car a short distance from a badly damaged white vehicle just outside the used car dealership Players Cars on Gelderd Road.

A cordon was still in place on Sunday morning with a number of officers present, including several examining the stricken vehicles.

Gelderd Road remains closed and drivers are being advised to steer clear of the area and seek alternative routes.

Anyone with information or dashcam, mobile phone or CCTV footage of the incident is urged contact officers via 101 or online, quoting reference 13260649342.

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