Everything we know about deadly Leeds crash so far
Police are appealing for witnesses to the crash
Four people have been arrested after a police chase turned deadly in Leeds this morning.
The fatal collision happened on Gelderd Road in the Holbeck area of the city in the early hours of Sunday (November 15). Two young adults died after their car was hit by a BMW just before 1am.
A road closure has been in place for much of the day with motorists urged to avoid the area by West Yorkshire Police.
The Yorkshire Evening Post has been down to the scene today and captured the aftermath of the tragedy. See our pictures from Geldered Road here.
Here’s everything we know so far about the incident.
When and where did the fatal crash happen?
Police attempted to stop a BMW vehicle on Geldred Road in the Holbeck area of the city at approximately 12.44am on Sunday (November 15). A pursuit then began but the car collided with a Volkswagen turning onto the street shortly after.
The road was closed as a result and remained shut for many hours afterwards as investigations continued. Drivers were advised to avoid the area by police earlier on Sunday.
What happened in the incident?
A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: “We are appealing for witnesses following a road traffic collision in Leeds which has tragically resulted in the deaths of two people.
At 12.44am this morning a blue BMW 123D failed to stop for a police vehicle in Gelderd Road.
“A pursuit was commenced and the BMW was involved in a collision with 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 sadly pronounced deceased at the scene, and a passenger in the same car, a 23-year-old woman from York, was sadly pronounced deceased at hospital a short time later.”
Have there been any arrests?
Four people have been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving in connection with the fatal collision, police have confirmed.
A force spokesperson continued: “A 39-year-old man from Harrogate has been 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.
“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 referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct which has declared an independent investigation.
There have been no further updates following the initial statement from police, as of the time of writing.
Has Gelderd Road re-opened?
In its appeal for witnesses, the West Yorkshire Police spokesperson added: “A scene and road closure remain in place in Gelderd Road, and drivers are advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.”
The AA warned via its online traffic map for much of the day that Gelderd Road was closed following the fatal collision. Meanwhile, the Metro News traffic account confirmed that the 229 was being diverted via Whitehall Road and Ring Road in both directions from the Wheatsheaf.
However, just after 4pm, The AA’s online traffic map showed that Gelderd Road had re-opened. The road had been shut for more than 12 hours throughout Sunday following the deadly crash.
What to do if you witnessed the crash?
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 the Live Chat facility on our website quoting reference 13260649342.