A PLEA by the grieving family of a teenager, killed when he was struck by a police car answering a 999 call in Bolton town centre, has resulted in a new examination of whether or not the driver should be prosecuted.

Martin Barlow, aged 18, of Crompton Way, Bolton, was knocked down in Bradshawgate last November as officers were responding to reports of brawls in two town centre bars.

The Crown Prosecution Service had decided not to prosecute the police driver.

But after new evidence was submitted by the family's solicitors, the file is now being reviewed.

Speaking on behalf of the teenager's parents, Beverley and Gary, solicitor Tim Woods said: "It is the family's view that, at the very least, the police car was being driven too quickly in the circumstances.

"Bradshawgate was full of people in a leisurely state of mind and, therefore, driving at even 30mph, we believe, was excessive."

Martin was enjoying a night out with friends in Bolton town centre on November 21 when he was knocked down as he crossed Bradshawgate.

Three police cars were driving one after the other along the busy street after receiving reports about fighting at the Office and the Dali bar.

Martin was hit by one of the cars.

The teenager was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The accident was referred voluntarily by Greater Manchester Police to the Police Complaints Authority, whose duties have now been taken over the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Following an investigation by a senior traffic inspector from outside the Bolton division, but within GMP, a file was passed to the Crown Prosecution Service in York.

After studying it, the CPS decided no action would be taken against the driver of the police car.

Mr Woods said the family was disappointed and angered by the decision.

He said: "We carried out our own investigation into what happened and collected witness statements.

"We have studied videos taken by the CCTV system showing the road before and after the accident and you can see quite clearly it is very densely populated with pedestrians continually crossing the road. Under rules 103 and 105 of the Highway Code, we believe it was not appropriate to drive in a convoy of three vehicles doing at the very least 30mph.

"The information has been forwarded to the CPS and we have asked them to look at the file again."

A spokesman for the CPS in York said: "The CPS has reviewed the evidence in the case and decided there was insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of a conviction.

"Since then, we have received new information from the family's solicitor and the matter has been referred back to the investigating force."

A spokesman for the Independent Police Complaints Commission which is overseeing the police investigation into the accident said: "The investigation is twofold.

"As a result of the nature of the incident, namely a road traffic accident, there is potential for criminal charges to be instigated against the driver. As it involved a police officer on duty, there is also a question of the conduct of the driver and whether any disciplinary proceedings need to be brought against him.

"The misconduct issues were still being looked at and will be considered following the outcome of the inquest."

An inquest is due to be held into the teenager's death later this year, but no date has yet been set.

His death led to a debate about whether Bradshawgate - at the heart of the town's nightlife - should be closed to vehicles at nights at weekends.

Licensees handed in a petition of more than 3,000 names to Bolton council chiefs which pledged to look at the issue - but will not make any decision before the inquest.