Two people killed after their car was hit by BMW chased by police in Leeds
A 22-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman have died
Two people have died after their car was hit by a BMW being chased by police in Leeds.
The serious incident happened on Gelderd Road, in the Holbeck area of the city, just before 1am today (November 15). Residents are advised to avoid the road and it remained shut this morning.
Officers attempted to flag down a blue BMW 123D at 12.44am on Sunday but it failed to stop and a chase commenced. The vehicle collided with a white Volkswagen Scirocco that was turning into Gelderd Road from Lowfields Road shortly after.
Police have confirmed that the driver of the Volkswagen, a 22-year-old man from York, was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger, a 23-year-old woman also from York, was taken to hospital but later died.
Four people have been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
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.”
The statement 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 scene and road closure remain in place in Gelderd Road, and drivers are advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.”
Earlier this morning, in a post on Facebook, the force’s official account wrote: “Drivers are advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.”
A referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct which has declared 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 the Live Chat facility on the police’s website quoting reference 13260649342.