Two people have died after a car being pursued by police collided with their vehicle in Leeds.
The crash happened after a blue BMW 123D failed to stop for a police vehicle in Gelderd Road at 12.44am on Sunday. The BMW then hit a white Volkswagen Scirocco that was turning into Gelderd Road from Lowfields Road.
Victims and arrests
The Volkswagen's driver, a 22-year-old man from York, died at the scene, according to West Yorkshire Police. A passenger in the same car, a 23-year-old woman also from York, was pronounced dead in hospital a short time later, the force said.
A 39-year-old man from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving while over the prescribed limit for cannabis in relation to the incident. He 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. All three of them were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Investigation and road closure
West Yorkshire Police has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which has declared an independent investigation.
The junction where the crash took place is surrounded by several car dealerships. Pictures shared on social media overnight appeared to show an area around a segment of Gelderd Road cordoned off, with a fire engine and several police cars and ambulance vehicles in attendance. The pictures also appeared to show a dark car a short distance away from a very badly damaged white car just outside used car dealership Players Cars on Gelderd Road.
Gelderd Road remains closed and drivers are advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes. Anyone with information or dashcam, mobile phone or CCTV footage of the incident is urged to contact officers via 101 or online, quoting reference 13260649342.
