Taxi driver killed in stolen car crash

Police yesterday appealed for information on the fatal crash in Argie Avenue, Kirkstall, in which the 49-year-old taxi driver, said to be from the local area, died.

The collision occurred just after 11.30pm on Saturday when the black 3 series BMW hit a maroon Skoda Octavia private hire taxi, between the junctions of Woodside View and Burley Wood Lane.

The occupants of the BMW, which had been stolen from Headingley, fled the scene. Last night, it is understood that no arrests had yet been made.

The 49-year-old driver of the Skoda was taken to hospital following the crash, but died a short time later.

A police spokesman said that the “occupants of the BMW, who are believed to be two males, abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene in the direction of Woodside View”.

Det Supt Mark Ridley, from West Yorkshire Police’s homicide and major enquiry team, said yesterday: “I am appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information about the occupants of the BMW, which was stolen from the Headingley area of Leeds on June 2, to contact police.”

The area of Argie Avenue around the crash site remained closed yesterday as police carried out forensic examinations at the scene.

Any witnesses to the fatal crash, or anyone with any information on the stolen BMW, should call West Yorkshire Police’s homicide and major enquiry team on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.