Two killed in Leeds crash after police pursuit

Two people have been killed after a car being pursued by police collided with another vehicle in Leeds, West Yorkshire Police said.

The crash happened at 00.44 GMT on Sunday morning on Gelderd Road, when a blue BMW 123D failed to stop for police. A pursuit began and the BMW crashed into a white Volkswagen Scirocco which was turning into Gelderd Road from Lowfields Road.

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 from York, died later in hospital.

Five people have been arrested. A 39-year-old man from Harrogate was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving while over the prescribed limit for cannabis. He remains in custody. Three other occupants of the BMW, two boys aged 16 and 17 and a 16-year-old girl, were taken to hospital for treatment to injuries that were not considered life-threatening. They have each been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

A police scene and road closure remain in place in Gelderd Road. Drivers are advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.

West Yorkshire Police said a referral had been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which would conduct an independent investigation.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or saw either vehicle in the time leading up to it, particularly anyone with relevant dashcam, mobile phone or CCTV footage, is asked to contact officers via 101 or online via quoting reference 13260649342.

Sources

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