Inquest reveals details of fatal crash into Heywood pub after police chase
An inquest has heard that Will Place, 23, died after crashing into the White Lion pub in Heywood following a police pursuit that reached speeds of 70mph.
This is a developing story. We'll publish more details as they emerge.
An inquest at Rochdale Coroner's Court has revealed that Will Place, 23, died after crashing into the White Lion pub in Heywood during a police chase on 1 July 2024. The incident occurred shortly after Place had been celebrating England's Euro 2024 victory, having been drinking while watching the match against Slovakia.
The court heard that Place got behind the wheel of his car at approximately 03:00 BST the following day. Police in a marked van initiated a pursuit after observing him run a red light on Manchester Road. CCTV footage presented at the inquest showed Place driving at speeds of up to 70mph through residential areas before police decided to call off the chase.
Despite the pursuit being terminated, Place continued driving and ultimately lost control of his vehicle, crashing into the pub. Emergency services arrived approximately 70 seconds later, but the car had already caught fire, leading to a partial collapse of the building. Place was pronounced dead shortly after 04:00.
A post-mortem examination revealed that Place had suffered catastrophic injuries and was found to be twice the legal limit for alcohol consumption at the time of the crash.
Sources
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This article was compiled from identified public sources and may be updated when further verified information becomes available.
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