Police 'did not pursue' bike before fatal crash

The crash happened on Thursday morning in Thurcroft

Police have insisted officers did not pursue a motorbike before it crashed last week, killing a 17-year-old boy.

The teenager, who was a passenger on the motorcycle, died after the vehicle collided with a silver Peugeot and a grey Land Rover in Thurcroft, near Rotherham, on Thursday morning.

The rider, a 20-year-old man, is still in hospital.

In a statement, Sgt John Taylor said South Yorkshire Police were "aware of online speculation around the circumstances of the crash".

He added: "Officers were in the area on a pre-planned operation, and had seen the motorbike, but it was not being pursued at the time of the collision."

The force said it was believed that the motorcycle was travelling from Thurcroft in the direction of Wickersley when it attempted an overtake and collided with the Peugeot.

Any witnesses or people with relevant dashcam footage have been urged to get in touch with police.

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