[I hate Fiat puntos]

Originally Posted by I hate Fiat puntos

A watchdog is investigating why police pursued a motorcyclist for 50 minutes before he crashed his bike and died.

Alan Long, 54, of Denton, Greater Manchester, was followed by police after he failed to stop when requested by patrol officers on Friday night.

His bike hit a car in Stalybridge and he suffered serious injuries. He was taken to hospital but died hours later.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating the crash.

Loving husband

The father-of-five, of Linden Road, Denton, was described as a loving husband, by his wife Julie.

He also had 13 grandchildren.

An IPCC spokesman said: "We understand there were a number of vehicles involved in the pursuit.

"We will be investigating whether officers were following the policies and procedures of the force and looking at why it went on for 50 minutes."

Greater Manchester Police has banned eight officers from driving.

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: "Eight police officers have had their driving authority withdrawn as the result of an investigation into a fatal collision on Friday 1 August 2008 where a motorcyclist died."

And also the police helicopter was in pursuit so why the need for so many vehicles tragic death