A man who died after his car ploughed into a BMW and then a building following a police chase in Tameside has been named.
Craig Davies died at the scene of the horror smash on Manchester Road in Hyde during the early hours of Monday morning.
Officers were on patrol shortly after 1am in the early hours of Monday when they spotted a red Volkswagen Golf, which failed to stop for them.
A pursuit began but officers lost sight of the vehicle before finding it a short time later, Greater Manchester Police said.
"It had been involved in a collision with an oncoming blue BMW on the A57 Manchester Road and it had then collided with a building," the force said in a statement.
Dozens of people took to social media to pay tribute to Mr Davies following the news of the tragedy.
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Sarah Edwards, 34, from Stalybridge said: "I knew Craig from school, such a funny lad had some good times.
"Life's way too short, I am thinking of his family at this sad my heart goes out to them. I really don’t know what else to say it’s so sad."
Danny Ryan wrote: "RIP Craig Davis life is cruel you was took [sic] too soon, sleep tight god bless mate."
Darrell Gibson said: "Genuinely in shock!!!! RIP lad Craig Davis. Can't believe it."
Chris Webster said: "He was one of a kind. One of the most genuine, nicest lads I've ever known."
A police cordon remained at the scene on Manchester Road at the junction of Great Norbury Street, while investigations continued on Monday morning.
Local residents described being woken around 1am this morning by the sound of a loud bang, followed by police sirens.
A number of eyewitnesses said they saw a car burst into flames following the crash.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue service confirmed crews attended and put out a fire in a car which was "well alight."
The driver and a passenger in the BMW were taken to hospital for treatment for their injuries, which are not thought to be life threatening.
Superintendent Chris Allsop, said: “The family of the man who sadly lost his life have been informed and are being supported by family liaison officers.
“The incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct by GMP’s Professional Standards Branch in line with normal policy. The IOPC are independently investigating the circumstances of this incident and GMP will fully support this investigation.
“The scene will remain in place while the investigation remains ongoing.”
An IOPC spokesperson said: “We are independently investigating the circumstances of a fatal road traffic collision following a police pursuit in the Hyde area of Manchester early today (Monday 12 August).
"We have established that the pursuit began at about 12.50am when a VW Golf failed to stop for officers.
"The Golf was subsequently in collision with a BMW in Manchester Road before it hit a building.
"The driver of the Golf, who was alone in the vehicle, was sadly confirmed dead at the scene.
"Two people in the BMW were taken to hospital.
"Following a referral from Greater Manchester Police we sent investigators to the scene and the police post incident procedure to begin gathering information.”
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