Police investigating crash that killed man, 35, seeking to track down occupants of two cars

Police have issued an urgent appeal for help to track down the occupants of two cars who may have information on a crash that killed a 35-year-old man.

Jonathan 'Jonny' Mennell, 35, was pronounced dead at the scene after a white Ford Kuga hit a tree in Newton-le-Willows on Monday night (June 10).

In a heartbreaking tribute issued today (Wednesday), Jonny's family describe him as a 'friend to all' who would 'make people laugh and smile'.

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Southworth Road was closed off on Tuesday following the crash near Lowton, Wigan borough. Officers were called out to the scene at 10.30pm on Monday night.

They received reports that the Ford had been travelling along Southworth Road towards Church Street, when it left the road and hit a tree close to the junction of Mere Road.

Jonny was tragically pronounced dead at the scene, and his next of kin were informed yesterday. A second man, in his 30s, was also injured. Merseyside Police do not believe any other vehicles were involved in the collision.

A 35-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drink or drugs. He has now been conditionally bailed pending further enquiries.

Merseyside Police have today issued a fresh appeal for witnesses and are looking to trace the occupants of two cars who may have information.

Detective Sergeant Andy Roper, Lead Investigating Officer from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “Our thought and condolences remain with Jonathan’s family and friends at this difficult time and our work to provide them with answers continues.

“Today we would like to make a further appeal for any witnesses to the collision or the events leading up to it.

“I am especially keen to speak with the occupants of two specific vehicles that were in the area at the time, who may not realise that this happened a short time after they passed the Ford Kuga.

“The first of these is a white Ford Puma which was travelling on the A572 Newton Road, near to the Travellers Rest pub, and was heading in the general direction of Newton-le-Willows when it was passed by the Ford Kuga.

“The second is a small white or silver car travelling on the A572 Southworth Road heading away from Newton-le-Willows when it passed the Ford Kuga travelling in the opposite direction close to the junction with Warren Drive.

“These instances both would have been around 10.30pm, shortly before the collision. We would be grateful if the occupants of these vehicles could make contact with our team as soon as possible. Their information or dashcam could be vital, and they may not have realised the significance of the Ford Kuga until now.

“Likewise, if anyone else saw the incident or the Ford Kuga being driven in the area shortly before 10.30pm, please check your devices and come forward with any information.”

Anyone who thinks they can identify the vehicles, anyone who witnessed the incident, or anyone who has any dashcam footage of the collision is asked to call Merseyside Police’s Matrix Serious Collision Investigation Unit on (0151) 777 5747, email SCIU@merseyside.police.uk, or DM @MerPolCC on Twitter quoting reference 24000517191.