Motorcyclist dead in Wakefield crash moments after failing to stop for police
A motorcyclist has died in a crash in Wakefield moments after police reported the bike had failed to stop for officers.
At 1.04am on Friday (May 15), the Roads Policing Unit reported a motorbike had failed to stop for them on Barnsley Road, in Wakefield.
However, before a pursuit of the motorbike could be authorised, the rider crashed into street furniture near the junction of Sycamore Close.
The driver of the motorcycle, a 30-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The road was closed while police investigated, but reopened later on Friday morning.
Due to the circumstances of the crash, a mandatory referral has been made to the IOPC.
Police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: “Officers from the Major Collision Enquiry Team are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
“Anyone who witnessed the collision or saw the vehicle prior to the collision or anyone who may have dash cam footage is asked to contact police via 101 or use the Live Chat facility at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/contactus quoting log 75 of 15 May.”