A man and woman have died following a collision involving a vehicle that was fleeing from police in Leeds. According to BBC News, the incident occurred at 00:44 GMT when a blue BMW 123D failed to stop for officers on Gelderd Road and struck a white Volkswagen Scirocco.
The driver of the Volkswagen, a 22-year-old man from York, was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, a 23-year-old woman also from York, died subsequently in hospital. Four occupants of the BMW—a 39-year-old man from Harrogate, two boys aged 16 and 17, and a 16-year-old girl—have been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. The 39-year-old driver is additionally being held on suspicion of driving while over the prescribed cannabis limit.
The Volkswagen was turning into Gelderd Road from Lowfields Road at the moment of impact, according to West Yorkshire Police. The two teenage passengers in the BMW were transported to hospital for treatment of injuries that were not life-threatening.
Investigation and police referral
West Yorkshire Police has referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which has declared an independent investigation into the circumstances of the collision. A police scene remains in place on Gelderd Road, with road closures affecting the area. Drivers have been advised to avoid the location and use alternative routes.
Appeal for witnesses
Police are seeking anyone who witnessed the vehicles before or during the crash, or who may have dashcam, mobile-phone or CCTV footage of the incident. The collision has been assigned incident reference 13260649342. Members of the public can contact officers via 101 or through the West Yorkshire Police online reporting system with any information or evidence that may assist the ongoing investigation.
