A police watchdog has confirmed it is investigating the death of a Newcastle teenager who was killed when the van he was driving crashed into a wall during a police chase.
Thomas Patrick Connor, also known as Tull, died at the scene of the crash in Manchester city centre.
He was driving a compact van which the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said failed to stop for police.
Further details surrounding the incident have now been revealed as tributes continue to flood in for the teenager, who was originally from the Newcastle area.
A growing shrine of balloons, flowers and cards is in place at the scene under a railway bridge on Red Bank, the Manchester Evening News reports.
Confirming an official investigation was under way, the IOPC said: "The information that we have at this time indicates that shortly before 11.30pm on April 6, Thomas Patrick Connor, also known as Tull, was driving a compact van in Lower Cheetham which failed to stop for police.
"He was then pursued by a marked police car.
"A short time later Mr Connor's van hit a wall.
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"Sadly, he died at the scene.
"A passenger in the van suffered injuries which required hospital treatment.
"A post-mortem examination has been carried out.
"We're now in contact with Mr Connor’s family and will keep them informed throughout our investigation."
IOPC regional director, Amanda Rowe, said: "Firstly, my thoughts are with Mr Connor’s family and friends and all those affected by this incident, including all of the emergency services involved.
"We were at the scene on Sunday morning and attended the post incident procedure.
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"We have already begun to gather key evidence in this investigation, including assessing if there is any body worn video, dash-cam footage and CCTV. All evidence will be analysed as part of our investigation.
"The police officers responding to the incident are being treated as witnesses to our investigation, and have provided statements to us."
Sadly, it is understood Mr Connor lost both his parents at a young age and had a tattoo which read 'RIP Mam and Dad' on his shoulder.
Thomas Ward, a popular boxer in the North East, is a long time friend of the family and told the M.E.N.: "He was well-known [in Manchester and Newcastle] and will be sadly missed.
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"His family are going through a very, very hard time. It's absolutely tragic, he was a young lad with his whole life ahead of him.
"He was a lovely lad, happy-go-lucky, he would do a favour for you. He enjoyed his pals and was always good craic. It's a crying shame."
Only hours before the crash, Mr Connor had posted on Instagram about going to the gym and enjoying a night out in Manchester.
GMP said the incident was referred to the Independent Office of Police Conduct in line with procedure.
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