A motorcyclist has died after being hit by a car as he fled on foot across the M56 following a police pursuit. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said officers initially followed the motorbike because it was being driven in a 'dangerous manner' on the M60 near Stockport at about 7.30pm on Saturday 17 October.
Pursuit and collision
The pursuit continued onto the M56, where officers made 'tactical contact' with the motorbike near junction 5 near Hale Barns. The bike was later 'brought to a stop' between junctions 3 and 4 near Wythenshawe, and the driver then 'made off on foot across the motorway' before being 'subsequently involved in a collision with another vehicle'.
The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. A man involved in the crash, who was not part of the original chase, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs and causing death by driving uninsured.
Investigation launched
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation due to 'police contact' before the fatality. The motorway was closed for about 12 hours and reopened this morning.
In a statement, GMP said: "Shortly before 7.30pm on Saturday 17 October 2026, officers on patrol observed a red coloured motorbike being driven in a dangerous manner on the M60 clockwise around Stockport Pyramid. Officers then began following the vehicle, which was posing a significant risk to members of the public using the motorway. A pursuit commenced 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."
"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. North West Ambulance Service attended the scene, and the driver of the motorbike, a man, received emergency medical treatment. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. A man involved in a collision, but who was not involved in the initial pursuit, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs and causing death by driving uninsured."
Appeal for information
The force added: "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 the Serious Collisions Investigation Unit are appealing for information, including dash cam or CCTV footage. Anyone with details is urged to contact GMP on 101 quoting log 2974-17/10/26, or via the LiveChat function at gmp.police.uk. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
