A MAN died when he ran from a crashed car into the path of a police van which had been following him.

Police had been "tailing" George Makin, aged 38, of Wigan Road, Hindley when he lost control of the car on a bend last night.

Officers say Mr Makin jumped out of the smashed car but ran into a police van which had been following behind.

A full investigation into the horrific accident was mounted earlier today.

The accident happened outside The Wiganer pub, not far from Mr Makin's home.

The police patrol had been following the white Ford Escort a short distance after it had been spotted being driven erratically.

Police say the saloon increased speed when the police van began to follow it along the main road to Hindley.

The road was sealed off after the accident and a full investigation into the accident has been launched.

Police say the Escort had not been stolen. A police spokesman said they have no idea why Mr Makin sped away from the officers. TWO police officers were injured when their patrol van skidded and overturned in torrential rain as they were driving to a reported disturbance at a local pub.

The van careered out of control in Crompton Way, Astley Bridge, in the poor weather conditions early yesterday.

Two officers inside the van were treated for minor injuries by ambulance paramedics, who then took them to hospital.

One suffered a badly bruised and cut elbow and the other neck and back injuries.

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