Workman struck by stolen van and seriously injured during police chase in Leeds

A WORKMAN carrying out road repairs was seriously injured when he was struck by a stolen van following a police chase across  Leeds.
Gildersome Lane, Farnley. Photo: GoogleGildersome Lane, Farnley. Photo: Google
Gildersome Lane, Farnley. Photo: Google

Police said the van collided with road repair machinery before hitting the man on Gildersome Lane at Farnley.

Gildersome Lane was temporarily closed for repairs when the incident happened.

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A police pursuit was launched after a white Ford Transit van - registration YD65 YPO - was stolen during a burglary at an address in Moortown just after 2pm on Tuesday February 28.

The van failed to stop for police and was driven down Scott Hall Road towards the city centre where the initial police pursuit was ended. 

The van then went the wrong way down Sackville Street and Meanwood Road before turning right and driving up the wrong side of Clay Pit Lane towards the city centre. 

The vehicle then turned right and drove the wrong way down the slip road onto the A58 Leeds Inner Ring Road before turning left and completing a U-turn and travelling in the direction of Armley Gyratory. 

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Other police units sighted the van and continued to follow it as it was driven through Armley, Wortley and into Farnley before travelling up Whitehall road and turning left onto Gildersome Lane, which was temporarily closed for road repairs. 

The vehicle then collided with road repair machinery and a workman who received a serious leg injury. He was taken to hospital for treatment. 

Five men were arrested in connection with the incident and three, aged 21, 23 and 25, have been charged with burglary and dangerous driving offences and have appeared in court where their cases are ongoing. 

Detective Constable Clive Newman, of Leeds District CID, said: "We are keen to speak to people who witnessed any part of this incident or the collision, particularly anyone with dashcam footage that shows the manner of driving of the van at any point on its journey." 

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC 3374 Newman at Elland Road via 101 quoting crime number 13170094439.