A WITNESS appeal has been launched after a man was seriously injured during a police pursuit in Tyldesley.

On Sunday June 6 a 27-year-old man was riding an off-road e-bike when the collision happened on Shuttle Street.

He suffered a serious head injury and remains in hospital, but his condition is believed not to be life-threatening.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is asking the public if they saw anything as part of the investigation into the incident, following a mandatory referral from Greater Manchester Police, as two officers on motorcycles were in pursuit at the time.

The man's family have been made aware of the IOPC's role.

Officers were on on patrol when they came across five people on e-bikes who all made off in different directions.

A pursuit of one of the bikes began at 4.36pm at the junction of Manchester Road and Hough Lane. It travelled along Hough Lane, onto the Leigh Guided Busway and on to Well Street. The bike continued onto Milk Street, eventually making its way onto Shuttle Street.

The pursuit ended at 4.39pm when the bike mounted the kerb and the rider came off, suffering a serious head injury.

Investigators attended the scene and have obtained accounts from the officers involved and are reviewing CCTV and footage obtained from the police bikes of the pursuit.

IOPC Regional Director Amanda Rowe said: “We understand incidents like this can be very concerning and it is important that we fully understand the circumstances leading up to this collision, which left a man seriously injured.

“Due to the time and location, we believe several people may have witnessed parts of the pursuit and would urge anyone with information to get in touch.

“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the pursuit, the collision itself or the events immediately afterwards.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the IOPC by emailing shuttlestreet@policeconduct.gov.uk or calling 0300 303 5621.