Wrong way crash victims named

Graham Cashin was driving the Renault Clio when it crashed

Two people who died when their car was in collision with a lorry as they drove the wrong way on a Manchester motorway have been named.

Graham Cashin and John Healey were killed instantly in the crash, which happened on the A57(M) Mancunian Way.

Minutes before the accident police officers in a patrol car spotted their Renault Clio jump a red light and pull out in front of a white van causing it to brake heavily.

The officers activated their emergency equipment and followed the Clio but then discovered it had crashed. The incident is being investigated by Greater Manchester Police Authority.

Mr Cashin, 34, from Oldham Road, Failsworth, was driving the Clio when it was involved in the crash with the articulated lorry, at about 0210 GMT last Friday morning.

He was declared dead at the scene, along with his passenger, 45-year-old John Healey of Timson Street, Failsworth.

Minor injuries

Their Clio was spotted on Great Ancoats Street by the patrol, before Mr Cashin drove off at speed on to the wrong side of the Mancunian Way.

Greater Manchester Police said the patrol car drove on to the correct side of the road, but then discovered the car had collided with the lorry.

The driver of the lorry escaped with shock and minor back injuries in the crash, which happened about 100 metres from the junction with Upper Brook Street.

Anyone with information about the accident should contact South Manchester Traffic Unit.