Police officer dies in road crash

A police officer was killed when he was thrown through the window of his van, which then overturned, trapping him.

Pc Christopher Hart, 40, was driving the police van on Pottery Lane in Openshaw, Manchester, when it collided with a VW Polo on Saturday night.

Greater Manchester Police said Pc Hart was partially thrown through the van's window before the vehicle came to rest upside down near some traffic lights.

He suffered serious head injuries and died at the scene.

His colleague and three people in the VW Polo suffered minor injuries.

Investigations into the cause of the crash are under way.

This is a tragic incident which has claimed the life of a dedicated serving officer Chf Supt Jon Rush

The junction between Ashton Old Road, Pottery Lane and Alan Turing Way was closed shortly after the crash, which happened at 2355 GMT, while officers dealt with the scene.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said a second male police officer in the van was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary but was later released.

Pc Hart was a response officer based in Bury, and leaves a six-year-old son.

Police could not confirm if he was responding to a 999 call or if the van's blue lights were on.

'Greatly missed'

Chf Supt Jon Rush, Bury divisional commander, said: "It looks like he was trying to respond to some call and early indications are there may well have been use of the blue lights."

He added: "This is a tragic incident which has claimed the life of a dedicated serving officer and a well-loved father.

"He will be greatly missed.

"I had only known him a relatively short time but officers who worked with him described him as enthusiastic, passionate and a man who wanted to serve the community.

"It was a job that he loved and he was well known and respected for the enthusiastic and passionate way he policed the area."

Ass Chf Con Justine Curran said: "This is a tragic incident in which a serving officer with Greater Manchester Police has lost his life.

"Our thoughts are now with his family and colleagues and we are offering them every support."