Man, 34, who died in police chase horror crash is named

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A man who died in a horror crash after a police chase in Bolton has been named as Simon Bailey.

The 34-year-old tragically died in the smash on Lever Edge Lane just before 2am on Sunday (October 2). He was a front-seat passenger in a Nissan Micra that failed to stop for police.

A pursuit then ensued and the car - which was suspected by officers to be stolen - crashed into two parked vehicles. Mr Bailey tragically died of his injuries.

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A spokesperson for Bolton Coroners' Court confirmed that a file had been received in relation to Mr Bailey's death. An inquest will open at a later date.

A female passenger - also aged in her 30s - was rushed to hospital with serious, but not life-threatening injuries. The male driver was also taken to hospital and was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

On Tuesday, police said he remained in hospital under arrest. The police watchdog - the Independent Office for Police Conduct - is investigating the incident.

In an earlier statement, an IOPC spokesperson said: "We are independently investigating the circumstances of a fatal collision in Bolton on Sunday (2 October). We were notified by Greater Manchester Police due to the fact officers were in pursuit of a Nissan Micra before it collided with a parked vehicle on Lever Edge Lane at around 2.10am.

"While our investigation is at an early stage, we understand the vehicle, which officers suspected had been taken without the owner’s consent, had failed to stop for police shortly before the incident.

"A 34-year-old man, who was a passenger in the Micra, sadly died, while the male driver and a female passenger were both seriously injured. IOPC investigators