A 19-year-old man has died following a collision on the M66 motorway, which is believed to have been linked to a police pursuit. Emergency services responded to the incident near the M60 junction at Simister Island on Sunday evening at approximately 9.40pm.

According to Greater Manchester Police, the young man may have been a passenger in a blue BMW X3 that was initially spotted driving at high speed on Bury Old Road. The vehicle reportedly ran a red light, prompting officers to initiate a pursuit. However, the police lost sight of the BMW, which was later found abandoned on the Junction 18 roundabout of the M60 after colliding with another vehicle.

Witnesses reported that the passengers from the BMW fled the scene on foot along the motorway. Tragically, the 19-year-old was struck by a Tesla shortly thereafter, resulting in fatal injuries. No arrests have been made in connection with the incident.

In light of the circumstances, referrals have been made to Greater Manchester Police's Professional Standards Directorate and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) is now appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Detective Constable Ian Lawton from GMP's SCIU stated, "Officers initiated a pursuit in accordance with policy after a vehicle failed to stop for police after being seen driving at speed. The subsequent collision and tragic fatal injuries are now part of an independent review with the IOPC. We extend our condolences to the family and are appealing for anyone with information to please come forward and report."

Police are particularly interested in any CCTV, dashcam, or mobile phone footage from the area leading up to the collision, as they continue their investigation into this tragic event.