Motorcyclist killed on M56 after fleeing police pursuit on foot near Junction 4

A man died after running across the M56 motorway following a police pursuit near Stockport. A second driver was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving.

Man dies after crossing M56 on foot following Greater Manchester police pursuit

A man was pronounced dead at the scene on the M56 motorway on Saturday evening after fleeing police on foot and being struck by a passing vehicle, the Daily Express reports. A second driver, not involved in the original pursuit, was subsequently arrested.

Officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) first spotted a red motorcycle being ridden in what they described as a "dangerous manner" on the M60 clockwise near Stockport Pyramid, shortly before 7.30pm. The bike, which police said was "posing a significant risk to members of the public using the motorway", was followed as it continued onto the M56.

During the pursuit, officers made tactical contact with the motorcycle at low speed on the hard shoulder near Junction 5. The bike was brought to a stop between Junctions 3 and 4, at which point the rider fled on foot across the carriageway.

GMP said the motorcyclist "was subsequently involved in a collision with another vehicle" while crossing the motorway. The North West Ambulance Service attended and paramedics administered emergency medical treatment at the scene. Despite those efforts, the man was pronounced dead.

A separate driver, described by police as a man "involved in a collision" but not part of the initial pursuit, was arrested at the scene. He was taken into custody on suspicion of causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs, and of causing death by driving uninsured.

In line with standard procedure following a fatality involving police contact, GMP has referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The IOPC has determined that an independent investigation is required to establish the full circumstances of the incident. GMP said it was awaiting the conclusion of that investigation.

GMP's Serious Collisions Investigation Unit is appealing for witnesses. Anyone with information, dashcam footage or CCTV is asked to contact Greater Manchester Police on 101, quoting log 2974-17/10/26. Reports can also be submitted via GMP's LiveChat service or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: Daily Express