Motorcyclist killed in crash with taxi during police chase

The motorcycle collided with a taxi and street furniture near Warren Street tube station

A motorcyclist has been killed after a collision during a police chase in central London.

The man died following a crash with both a taxi and street furniture whilst the motorcycle he was riding was being pursued by police.

The passenger seated behind him sustained non-life-threatening injuries to his leg and arm, and was arrested after he was found to be carrying a machete.

The collision happened close to Warren Street tube station (UKNIP)

Officers pursued the pair in the early hours of Monday morning, at approximately 6.45am, after witnessing the vehicle jump a red light on Oxford Street.

Failing to stop after being flagged down, the pair were followed onto the adjacent Tottenham Court Road. The collision occurred shortly afterwards, close to Warren Street tube station.

Emergency services attended to the scene, but despite the efforts of paramedics, the driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

On Monday morning, BBC Radio London Travel confirmed that Tottenham Court Road was closed between Maple Street and Euston Road.

One witness claimed it was a “high-speed chase”, reporting to MyLondon that they heard a “huge bang” which “sounded like an accident.” “It made me feel sick”, they added.

Elsewhere, another described the event as a “grim morning”, writing on X that “the top of Tottenham Court Road is blocked off with police and an ambulance in attendance, and another person is getting medical assistance in Fitzroy St by a medic on a bike.”

“The pillion passenger was found to be in possession of a machete. He has been arrested and taken to hospital for treatment to leg and arm injuries”, a statement from the Metropolitan Police read.

“The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) launched an investigation alongside colleagues from the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command.

“The Independent Office for Police Conduct have been informed and we are advised that they have launched an independent investigation.”

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