Family’s tribute to death-crash boy

Waqar Alyas with nephew Abu Abu Baker

The family of an Oldham teenager who died following a car crash in Ashton have paid tribute to him.

Waqar Alyas, 17, died after the car he was driving was followed by police early on Friday morning.

A police officer on routine patrol in Ashton Road, Oldham, attempted to stop a speeding Ford Focus that was being driven towards Ashton without its lights on.

As the car tried to turn from Oldham Road, Ashton, into Springwood Way, it collided with a tree, trapping Waqar.

Police rescued him before it burst into flames, but he was pronounced dead when he reached hospital.

His brother Zahid paid tribute on behalf of the family and said Waqar was a very intelligent, kind and considerate young man.

He added: “He was about to study his A-levels and had ambitions to be a dentist. He was very focused and ambitious.

“He was a keen footballer and was a Liverpool fan. He was very close to his family, and he will be missed by us and friends. His brothers will miss him.”

In line with procedure, the driver of the police car was suspended from driving duties.

The incident has been routinely referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission by Greater Manchester Police.

Any witnesses are asked to contact police on 0161 856 7201 or 0161 856 8809.