Yahoo News Teenager who died in major crash following police chase in Rochdale pictured
A teenager who died after a car crashed in Rochdale following a police chase has been named and pictured. Deven Andrews, 18, was pronounced dead at the scene of the horror collision on Manchester Road on Tuesday night (December 3).
Greater Manchester Police say they began chasing a Toyota Aqua Hybrid after being called to a report of a theft of motor vehicle on William Greenwood Close, in Heywood, at about 9.15pm.
A 'short pursuit took place' after the Toyota failed to stop, before the car collided with a Volkswagen Up in Manchester Road. An image taken in the aftermath of the crash showed one vehicle, which appeared to have landed on its roof near to the junction of Manchester Road and Roch Valley Way.
Despite the efforts of emergency services, Deven, who was a passenger in the Toyota, died at the scene. The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct is now conducting an investigation into the fatal crash.
Paying tribute, Seanna Kavanagh described him as the 'nicest lad you will ever meet' who would 'do anything for anyone'. "Such a young lad with a full life ahead heart aches for his family," she said.
Zoe Smith posted on social media: "Simply can't find the words to express how we feel right now. Just turned 18 with your whole life ahead of you, only to be tragically taken away too soon. Truly heartbreaking! Rest in peace young Deven. Fly high young man. You will be sadly missed" as Spencer Hughes penned: "Rip dev. Life too short thoughts go out to the family."
A man in his 20s and a 17-year-old boy have been arrested on suspicion of death by dangerous driving and driving offences, including aggravated vehicle taking. They remain in custody for questioning. The driver of the Volkswagen Up escaped without any injuries and remained at the scene to assist police.
Greater Manchester Police said it had referred the incident to its Professional Standards Directorate and the Independent Office for Police Conduct "in-line with normal procedure".
The watchdog has now confirmed to the M.E.N that the independent investigation, in its 'early stages' has begun, with investigators sent out to the scene of the crash to begin gathering evidence.
Anyone with information or dashcam footage of the collision should call GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 quoting incident log 3445 of 04/12/2024.
Information can also be reported online or by using the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk. If you can't report online, call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
