1 year old boy and three others dead after Darnall crash
Police were following one of the vehicles involved just before the collision
Last updated 10th Nov 2018
A 1 year old boy's been killed along with three other people in a collision at Darnall in Sheffield.
They were all in a people carrier which had a coming together with another car on Main Road, at the junction of Bannham Road just before 9pm on Friday evening (9th November).
The others who've died are a woman aged 41 and two men who are 35 and 50.
Three others from the people carrier are seriously injured in hospital, that's two women and a 3 year old girl.
Three people from the other car have been treated for minor injuries and been arrested by police who've launched a criminal enquiry into the crash.
South Yorkshire Police say one of their patrol vehicles was pursuing the car just before the crash and the matter's been referred to the forces watchdog.
T/Detective Chief Inspector Jude Ashmore, said: "First and foremost, my thoughts are with the families of the victims who have lost loved ones during this incredibly tragic incident.
"A high number of resources were deployed to the scene last night, with officers from all of the emergency services working through the night and into this morning to assist. Our priority now is to support the victims’ families and those affected, and work hard to determine the exact circumstances around what happened.
"Main Road is expected to remain closed for most of the day as we continue to gather evidence and recover items from the scene.
"I know the local community will be shocked and saddened to hear what happened last night and we will have officers in the area today to speak to residents, should they have any questions or concerns. I’d like to thank those who helped immediately after the collision and for their support and patience during the evening."
IOPC Regional Director Miranda Biddle has issued a statement saying: "This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with those families who have lost their loved ones and all those affected by what happened on Friday evening including the emergency services who attended.
"As soon as we were informed, we sent investigators to the scene and we will be carrying out an independent investigation to establish what actions South Yorkshire Police took prior to the crash. This is standard procedure when lives are lost following an incident involving the police.
"By attending the scene we have been able to view dash cam footage which confirms that although a pursuit did take place prior to the crash, there is no indication that the police vehicle collided with either of the vehicles involved. We have also obtained initial statements from the officers involved and will gather further evidence during the course of our investigation.
"South Yorkshire Police is carrying out a criminal investigation and has arrested the three men travelling in the Golf. We will be making contact with the families affected as soon as possible to explain our role and what they can expect to happen during our investigation.
"We would urge anyone who saw the incident to come forward and help with both investigations."