Serious injury M53 crash after police pursuit of suspected stolen bike

As previously reported, a serious crash has closed the motorway in both directions in Wirral this afternoon, Sunday.[1] Emergency services are currently in attendance on the M53 following the serious road traffic collision, which occurred at around 3.30pm between junctions two and 2a for Moreton Spur. Merseyside Police has issued a statement in which it confirms that the crash occurred during a pursuit of a suspected stolen motorbike.

A rider of the motorbike has been taken to hospital with serious injuries. The force said: "We can confirm that a man has been taken to hospital following a collision involving a police car and a motorbike on the M53 on Sunday, March 22. "Just after 3.15pm, the motorbike - suspected to be stolen and uninsured - came to the attention of patrols on Love Lane in Wallasey.

"One male got off the bike and was detained at the scene. The bike then made off from patrols and was ridden by the male rider against traffic in the direction of the M53. "At around 3.30pm, a police vehicle was in collision with the bike on the M53 northbound slip road at junction two for Moreton Spur.

"The rider was taken to hospital by ambulance for assessment of serious injuries. "The M53 is closed in both directions at junction two, and motorists are advised to seek alternative routes. "Due to the circumstances, a mandatory referral will be made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct."

Anyone who witnessed the crash or captured the incident on CCTV or dashcam is asked to call Merseyside Police's serious collision investigation unit on 0151 777 5747, quoting incident reference 26000229059, or email [email protected][2] Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org[3] National Highways has said that the motorway is likely to be closed for 'several hours', and motorists are being urged to avoid the area and to find alternate routes.

A spokesman for National Highways said: "The M53 is closed in both directions between junctions two and 2a for Moreton Spur following a serious collision. "Emergency services are in attendance with Merseyside Police leading the response at the scene. "National Highways Traffic Officers are assisting with traffic management, and the road is likely to remain closed for several hours.

"Traffic is being diverted via local routes. "If this closure impacts your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead; you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.

"Further information is available from National Highways by visiting our trafficengland.com[4] website and travel apps, or via our regional X feed.

"Our 24/7 contact centre team is also available to provide up-to-the-minute information on 0300 123 5000."

References

1. ^ As previously reported, a serious crash has closed the motorway in both directions in Wirral this afternoon, Sunday. (www.wirralglobe.co.uk)
2. ^ [email protected] (www.wirralglobe.co.uk)
3. ^ crimestoppers-uk.org (crimestoppers-uk.org)
4. ^ our trafficengland.com (trafficengland.com)