Driver dies in crash during police chase

A road runs over a metal bridge. There are stone bollards on the right-hand side of the road. There is a traffic light and two streetlights in the distance. The road beyond the bridge has hedges on either side before the carriageway curves out of view.Image source, Google
Image caption,

Police said the car crashed after it crossed a bridge on Birkwood Road

  • Published

A man has died after the car he was driving crashed during a police chase near Wakefield.

The driver was being pursued by officers on Birkwood Road near Altofts at about 01:30 GMT on Wednesday when the vehicle hit a fence, West Yorkshire Police said.

The man, aged in his 20s, died at the scene. Officers said a male passenger aged in his 30s received treatment in hospital for his injuries and had since been arrested.

The force said it had referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct over the incident.

The car had been travelling along Ferry Lane towards Altofts after failing to stop, police said.

Officers asked anyone with information or dashcam footage of the crash to get in touch.

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