Man driving suspected stolen car dies after attempting to flee police by running across M1

A spokesman for Northamptonshire Police said: “Officers were following a vehicle that was believed to be stolen at about 3.25am on the northbound carriageway of the M1 between junction 18 and 16 when it came to a stop on the road.

“Once the vehicle had stopped the man got out and ran across the road, at which point he was struck by a vehicle on the southbound carriageway. He died at the scene,” the spokesman said.

The M1 southbound remains closed while the investigation into what happened takes place. Two lanes of the northbound carriageway are now open.

Motorists are advised to avoid the M1 southbound while the closure remains in place.

The incident has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

The spokesman said this was a “mandatory referral” when death or serious injury following an incident involving police contact.

Police would like to speak to anyone who was using the M1 north or southbound, at around 3.20am this morning and witnessed anything that may help their investigation.

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police and Crime Commissioner Adam Simmonds said: “I am aware of the tragic incident on the M1 this morning and await the results of the police investigation and the view of the IPCC.”