THE death of a young dad who fell from a bridge over St Peter's Way could be investigated by the police watchdog.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has been informed about the death of Kyle Smith, who plunged from the Bradford Street bridge on Friday.

Police were speaking to 26-year-old Mr Smith before he fell.

The police were called on Friday evening at about 7pm after Mr Smith was seen on the wrong side of the bridge's barriers.

They tried to talk him out of what they believed was a suicide attempt, but he fell from the bridge despite officers attempting to hold him.


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Mr Smith suffered critical injuries after he was hit by a car travelling southbound on the A666.

The former Deane School pupil was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.

A spokesman for the IPCC said the matter had been referred to the watchdog, but a decision about whether an investigation would be carried out had not yet been made.

His mother, Margaret Crossley, from Breightmet, paid tribute to her son.

She described him as a “loveable rogue” who “would do anything for anyone”.

Mr Smith had a six-year-old daughter, Skye.