Police car lands on top of motorbike after reports of high-speed 'chase' before road cordoned off

An unmarked police car crushed a motorbike after smashing into it following reports of a 'chase' in Westhoughton on Thursday evening (October 3).

Dramatic pictures show the wreckage left on Church Street, near Manchester Road, after the bike was reportedly hit by the traffic vehicle. Witnesses said the rider jumped from the bike immediately before the smash, and was then taken into custody.

The Manchester Evening News understands that the pursuit began in the Walkden area, as cops followed the motorbike, which witnesses said was hitting high speeds, into Westhoughton.

READ MORE "It's like they're in bed with me!": Booming roadworks keep residents awake in 'nights of hell'

Church Street was blocked off after the incident, with numerous traffic police officers at the scene. A helmet was also seen on the floor beside the bike, which was left decimated at the roadside. The police car also appeared to crash head on into another vehicle.

Multiple police vehicles and ambulances were pictured lining Manchester Road on Thursday night before recovery attended the scene.

One witness, who asked not to be named said: "The bike was coming from the side of Manchester going really fast and on the pavements where people were walking.

"[The rider] skidded and slid off the bike a second before and took his helmet off. Then the police crashed into it and another car. From there, he was put in handcuffs and placed into the back of a police van."

A police helicopter was seen circling the area during the pursuit. Another witness spotted the bike being followed along the A6 (Salford Road) on Thursday evening. A third claimed the bike was hitting speeds of 60mph along nearby Townsfield Road and Elm Road.

"The police chase came from the direction of Little Hulton down the A6. It had one unmarked police car and the helicopter over them," they said. "Then followed by a further four traffic cars in total whilst I was in traffic."

The road remained closed for a number of hours after the collision, with a heavy emergency services presence at the scene. Greater Manchester Police have been contacted for a statement on the incident.