The man who died on the M56 motorway following a police chase has been named as Cody Lowndes. Mr Lowndes, named and pictured by friends, died after being struck by a vehicle on the motorway on Saturday evening (October 17).
Police pursuit and fatal collision
Before the collision, he was spotted driving a motorbike 'in a dangerous manner' on the M60 near Stockport Pyramid. Officers began a pursuit which continued onto the M56. Greater Manchester Police said 'tactical contact' was then made with the biker near junction five at Hale Barns.
The chase continued and the motorbike was 'brought to a stop' near Wythenshawe, the force said. GMP said that the driver of the motorbike then 'made off on foot across the motorway'. He was then involved in a collision with another vehicle and sadly died on the scene.
Tributes and arrests
Tributes have since been shared for Mr Lowndes by friends and on social media. The M.E.N understands balloons were released and fireworks were set off on Sunday night in his memory.
Another man involved in the crash - who was not involved in the original chase - was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs. He was also arrested on suspicion of causing death by driving uninsured.
IOPC investigation launched
The motorway was shut off for about 12 hours and reopened on Sunday morning. In an update on Monday, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed an independent investigation had been launched into 'police actions prior to the fatal collision'.
An IOPC spokesperson said: "We are independently investigating the involvement of Greater Manchester Police prior to a road traffic collision on the M56, in which a man has sadly died. The incident took place at around 7:30pm on Saturday (17 October)."
"We understand a police patrol car began a pursuit after a motorbike was spotted being driven at high speed. Tactical contact was made following the pursuit and the motorcyclist, a man in his 20s, left the motorbike and a short time later, was involved in a collision with another vehicle and died at the scene."
"Our investigation will look at police actions prior to the fatal collision. After being notified by the force, we sent investigators to the police post incident procedures to begin gathering evidence and declared an independent investigation at 8.30pm."
"We will be contacting the man’s family to offer our condolences and explain our role. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this incident."
An investigation by GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCUI) is also continuing. Officers want to speak to any witnesses, or anyone with dash cam footage from the area at the time. GMP can be contacted on 101 quoting log 2974-17/10/26. Reports can also be made via the LiveChat function at gmp.police.uk. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
