Driver dies in crash following Manchester police pursuit

A driver has been killed and two women were injured in a crash after a police car chase through a city centre.

The 24-year-old man died at the scene after a "short pursuit" with officers in Old Trafford, Manchester.

Police say the Mercedes S320 he was driving "made off from the patrol car at speed".

It collided with a Mini at the junction of Chester Road and Warwick Road South before striking a barrier.

Two women travelling in the Mini were taken to hospital with multiple injuries.

Superintendent Jen Williams from Greater Manchester Police's Professional Standards Branch, which is investigating the incident, said: "In the early hours of this morning, following a short police pursuit, a man has sadly died after his car collided with another vehicle.

"GMP's Professional Standards Branch is investigating this incident to establish the full circumstances surrounding the collision and we are in the process of informing the man's family, to whom we will be providing support from specially trained officers.

"Officers from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit are currently conducting inquiries at the scene and the road will remain shut while this happens."

The collision, which took place at around 3.30am on Sunday, has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

Anyone with information can call the IPCC on 0300 020 0096.

The injuries suffered by the two female passengers in the Mini are not thought to be life-threatening.