Investigation update following double fatal collision in Salford

The Independent Office for Police Conduct’s (IOPC) investigation into a fatal road traffic collision in Salford following a Greater Manchester Police (GMP) pursuit is progressing well.

Patrick (Paddy) Connors, 36, and Thomas (Tommy) Sharp, 29, died after the Mercedes C class car they were travelling in was involved in a collision at around 11.40pm in Frederick Road, Salford on Wednesday 23 September.

Our initial enquiries have shown that an unmarked police car used its emergency lights and siren to signal to the Mercedes to stop and following a short pursuit, which lasted less than one minute along Lower Broughton Street and Frederick Road, the Mercedes collided with two cars, both VW Passats, travelling in the opposite direction.

IOPC Regional Director Amanda Rowe said: “The loss of these two men was a tragic incident and my thoughts are with their families and friends at this difficult time.

“When someone dies following contact with the police, it is mandatory for forces to refer the matter to the IOPC. We will be considering in car footage, CCTV and witness statements to establish the circumstances of this incident and whether the local and national guidelines and procedures were followed.

“We will continue to keep the families of Mr Connors and Mr Sharp updated on our progress, as well as the force and the coroner.”

The driver of the first VW Passat was uninjured. The driver of the second VW Passat, a taxi, had minor injuries. Two women, who were passengers in the back of the taxi, were taken to hospital with serious injuries, which are not thought to be life-threatening.

HM Coroner has been informed and inquests into the two men’s deaths were opened today (1 October).