| Driver killed in police chase smash |
A man died when a Vauxhall Nova smashed into a tree while being pursued by a marked police car.
An investigation has been launched following the incident.
Police say the driver ignored signals to stop before turning into a housing estate at speed.
The incident, in the County Durham village of Blackhill, on Friday, has been voluntarily referred to the Police Complaints Authority.
The Phoenix Court housing estate is said by police to be a warren of cul-de-sacs and tight bends and that the Nova had clipped a parked car before hitting the tree.
The officers gave first aid at the scene and despite the efforts of paramedics the man was pronounced dead on arrival at the University Hospital, Durham.
A Durham Constabulary spokesman said: "Prior to the collision the vehicle was being followed by two officers in a marked police vehicle who had indicated to the driver that they wanted him to stop.
"The police vehicle was displaying blue lights and sounding its two-tone horn at the time and had been travelling some distance behind the Vauxhall Nova prior to the collision."
The Police Complaints Authority last night appointed Durham Constabulary's head of traffic, Superintendent Barry Peart to investigate the tragedy.
Supt Peart said: "It's important that anyone who witnessed any aspect of the incident contacts us as soon as possible." No details of the dead man have yet been released.
Story filed: 00:17 Saturday 29th September 2001
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