The police watchdog has launched an investigation after five people were injured after a car crashed during a police pursuit.

Officers say they spotted the vehicle in the Bury Road area of town and gave chase at 8.30pm on Sunday March 10.

They pursued it when the vehicle, a Skoda, drove on to the wrong side of St Peter's Way from the A666 slip road, before colliding with another vehicle, a BMW.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has now confirmed that they are investigating the police’s involvement prior to the incident.

The Bolton News:

It comes after GMP notified the IOPC who sent investigators to the scene as part of their post incident procedures.

An IOPC spokesperson said: “We can confirm we are investigating police involvement prior to a serious injury road traffic collision in Bolton on Sunday evening.

“At around 8.30pm, a Skoda Octavia, which was being pursued by a Greater Manchester Police (GMP) traffic vehicle, collided with a BMW. The collision happened on the A666, St Peters Way southbound.

The Bolton News: “From initial information, the Skoda had been stopped by police but then made off in Bury Road shortly before the collision. A number of people were seriously injured in the collision and were taken to hospital.

“After being notified by GMP, we sent investigators to the scene, and the police, post incident procedures to begin our enquiries.”

The St Peter's Way, A666, entrance between Turton Street and Folds Road was partially shut from when the incident happened at around  until just before 9am on Monday March 11.

Three fire engines from Bolton North, Farnworth, and Bolton Central also responded to the incident, alongside the North West Ambulance Services.

As the investigation progresses, detectives from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit are appealing for information.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident – or has mobile phone, dashcam, or CCTV footage – is asked to contact police on 0161 846 4741, or 101, quoting the log number 2576 of 10/03/24.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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