Tottenham Court Road: Motorcyclist dies after police chase ends in crash with taxi - machete found

An 18-year-old has died after failing to stop for police before crashing into a taxi on a motorcycle.

The fatal crash happened in Tottenham Court Road, yards from Warren Street station, at around 6.45am on Monday (September 25).

The Met police said two officers on patrol on marked police motorcycles became aware of a motorcycle travelling through a red light on Oxford Street.

The motorcycle, which failed to stop for police, was carrying to two males. It was followed into Tottenham Court Road.

A short time later, the motorcycle was in collision with a taxi and street furniture on Tottenham Court Road near to Warren Street tube station.

An 18-year-old, who was riding the moped, died at the scene despite efforts of the emergency services.

A 17-year-old who was riding pillion suffered non life-threatening injuries to his arms and legs and was taken to hospital.

The Met Police said he was found in possession of a machete and arrested.

Police watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into the circumstances of the crash.

An IOPC spokesperson said:“We can confirm we have begun an independent investigation into the circumstances of a fatal road collision involving a motorcycle in central London this morning (Monday).

“We understand the collision took place at around 6.45am after the motorcycle had failed to stop for two marked Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) motorbikes in Tottenham Court Road.

“Shortly afterwards, the driver of the motorcycle, aged 18, is understood to have been in collision with a taxi and sadly died at the scene. A pillion passenger, aged 17, sustained non-life threatening injuries.

“After being notified by the MPS, we have sent investigators to the scene and to the police post incident procedure to begin our enquiries.

“Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic incident.”