Two people have died after a car allegedly fleeing from police collided with their vehicle in Leeds, United Kingdom, in the early hours of Sunday.
West Yorkshire Police said the fatal crash occurred at 00:44 GMT on Gelderd Road when a blue BMW 123D failed to stop for officers and subsequently rammed into a white Volkswagen Scirocco.
The driver of the Volkswagen, a 22-year-old man, died at the scene, while his 23-year-old female passenger succumbed to her injuries at a hospital.
The deceased, both from York, were confirmed dead following the collision.
Four occupants of the BMW, comprising a 39-year-old man from Harrogate, two boys aged 16 and 17, and a 16-year-old girl, have been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
The 39-year-old man is also being investigated for allegedly driving under the influence of cannabis beyond the prescribed limit, according to the police.
The three teenagers were taken to hospital for treatment of injuries described as non-life-threatening.
The police have referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which has commenced an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
An IOPC spokesperson said investigators were deployed to the scene at about 02:30 to “begin gathering evidence”. The spokesperson added that inquiries were “at a very early stage”.
The crash prompted a road closure on Gelderd Road, with police maintaining a cordon around the scene and directing motorists to alternative routes.
Officers have appealed to members of the public who witnessed the incident or have information, including video footage of the vehicles before or during the collision, to assist with the investigation.
