A man has died after running across the M56 following a police pursuit, with the driver of a second vehicle arrested at the scene. The deceased man had been riding a red motorbike which police said was being driven in a "dangerous manner" when it was spotted by officers shortly before 7.30pm on Saturday.
Pursuit began on M60
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said officers on patrol first saw the motorcycle on the M60 clockwise around Stockport Pyramid. Officers began following the bike, which police said was "posing a significant risk to members of the public using the motorway", before a pursuit began and continued onto the M56.
During the pursuit, tactical contact was made with the motorcycle at low speed on the hard shoulder near Junction 5. GMP said: "After the motorcycle was brought to a stop between junctions 3 and 4 of the M56, the driver made off on foot across the motorway and was subsequently involved in a collision with another vehicle."
Man pronounced dead at scene
North West Ambulance Service attended the scene and the motorcyclist received emergency medical treatment. The force added: "Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene."
Police said a man "involved in a collision", but who had not been involved in the initial pursuit, was arrested at the scene. He was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs and causing death by driving uninsured.
Referral to IOPC
The incident has now been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following the man's death. GMP said: "In-line with standard procedure following a fatality after police contact, Greater Manchester Police has referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and they have decided an independent investigation is required, to establish the full circumstances of the incident."
"We await the conclusion of their investigation." Officers from GMP's Serious Collisions Investigation Unit are also appealing for information about the incident.
Anyone with information, dashcam or CCTV footage is urged to contact Greater Manchester Police on 101, quoting log 2974-17/10/26. Reports can also be made through GMP's LiveChat service, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
