Driver, 19, is killed in horror crash during high-speed police chase through Durham housing estate
- A 19-year-old driver has died in a collision in Spennymoor, County Durham
- Police had been pursuing his Nissan Primera car at 2.30pm on Friday
- But man suffered fatal injuries after crashing Central Drive in Spennymoor
- Durham Police have referred themselves to Conduct Authority and will not comment on why they were pursuing the car
A 19-year-old driver has died after crashing into a wall following a police pursuit.
Durham Police said the man, who has not yet been named, suffered fatal injuries in the crash in Central Drive, Middlestone Moor, Spennymoor, County Durham.
At around 2.30pm, police started pursuing a Nissan Primera which was then involved in a collision.
Over 30 police congregated at the scene while a cordon was set up across the road.
The air ambulance service dispatched a helicopter at 2.44pm but did not transport anyone away from the scene and has since returned to base.
A 19-year-old driver has died in a collision following a police pursuit on Central Drive, Middlestone Moor, Spennymoor, County Durham
The man, who has not yet been named, suffered fatal injuries when his Nissan Primera was involved in a collision. Police have not said why they were pursuing the car
One man who lives near the town centre told the Northern Echo: ‘Just before 3pm I heard a few sirens.
‘I went to the back garden to see if I could see anything and I saw two police cars coming from the main street. I could hear other cop cars racing from different parts of the town, they seemed to go through Ox Close, Wood View, and they all seemed to head towards Middlestone Moor.’
The spokesman added that the force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Police have not said why they were pursuing the car.
David Ford, the IOPC’s interim regional director, added: ‘Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family and friends and anyone affected by this sad incident.
‘We are attending the scene and the post-incident procedures to begin gathering evidence.
‘Anyone who witnessed events leading up to the collision is asked to contact the IOPC on 0800 096 9076 or email witness@policeconduct.gov.uk.’
David Ford, the IOPC’s interim regional director, added: ‘Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family and friends and anyone affected by this sad incident’
The spokesman added that Durham Police force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)