Lorry driver bailed over motorway crash that killed police officer, 41

The 44-year-old man, from the Oldham area, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving following the accident on the M1 near Wakefield on Monday.

Pc Mark Goodlad, 41, was killed when he was hit by a lorry while helping a woman whose car had broken down on the hard shoulder. The woman suffered minor injuries in the incident.

Last night a spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said officers were still keen to hear from any witnesses.

The accident happened on the southbound carriageway of the M1 just after Junction 39 at about 4.15pm, when an orange Scania articulated heavy goods vehicle was in collision with a marked BMW X5 police car and a grey Suzuki Swift.

At the time of the collision, the police BMW and the Suzuki were both stationary on the hard shoulder.

Pc Goodlad was between the two vehicles, assisting the 51-year-old female Suzuki driver.

The Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police, Sir Norman Bettison, paid tribute to the officer, saying he had made the “ultimate sacrifice” as he went to help a vulnerable motorist in the “dangerous environment of the motorway”.

Chief Insp Neil Hunter said: “This is a serious incident where one person has lost his life and another person has been injured.

“It is vitally important that we establish the full circumstances and I would encourage anyone who can assist our inquiries to come forward as soon as possible.”

Pc Goodlad, who was from East Yorkshire, was married with one child and had been in the force for 10 years.

West Yorkshire Police continue to appeal for witnesses to the crash. Anyone with any information should contact the Major Collision Inquiry Team on 01924 334693 or via 0845 6060606.