Force refers itself to police watchdog after crash

12 hours ago

Angela FergusonNorth West

News image — The incident happened on Baxters Lane, St Helens, Merseyside Police said

Google A sign on the right hand side of the road says Baxters Lane. A pub is on the left hand side. Around five cars can be seen parked on either side of the road, with houses seen in the distance. — The incident happened on Baxters Lane, St Helens, Merseyside Police said

A police force has referred itself to the policing watchdog after a motorcyclist was seriously injured during a vehicle pursuit.

The man, who is in his 30s, was taken to hospital after the crash in St Helens, Merseyside, at around 23:30 GMT on Friday, Merseyside Police said.

A spokesperson said officers spotted an uninsured and unregistered Yamaha motorcycle in the Gaskell Street area, but it failed to stop and "following a short pursuit, the bike was reportedly in collision with a parked car on Baxters Lane".

"Due to the circumstances, a mandatory referral will be made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)," they added.

The road has now reopened and anyone who has information or dashcam or CCTV footage is asked to contact police.

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