Harrogate Road crash: Tributes paid to young man who died

The rider of the bike, a 17-year-old male, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

The collision - which occurred on Harrogate Road on Monday, October 28 - also involved a red Vauxhall Corsa.

It happened shortly after a police pursuit was authorised when a motorbike reportedly failed to stop for officers in the Eccleshill area at around 1.20pm.

West Yorkshire Police notified the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

It was confirmed that an 18-year-old, who was a passenger on the motorbike, passed away in hospital on Wednesday.

The teenager has been named locally as Owen Murphy.

The young rider, who suffered serious injuries in the crash, has since been bailed pending further enquiries.

The driver of the Corsa, a 71-year-old male, attended a police station voluntarily and was interviewed by police.

West Yorkshire Police say enquiries into the road traffic collision remain ongoing.

IOPC investigators have begun the process of gathering and reviewing evidence as they work to determine the circumstances leading up to the crash.

A picture of the scene (Image: Newsquest)

'Heart-breaking to hear this'

Bunches of flowers and pictures of Owen have been left beside a tree on Harrogate Road, near where the crash happened.

Readers have been paying their tributes after the Telegraph & Argus opened a Book of Condolence.

Fifi Coombs said: "RIP Owen. Forever young. Dylan will forever remember the memories you made together. Hope you got the best bed save us a bed up there missing you bro love your boy Dylan."

Michelle Folly Rigby added: "I didn’t know you young man but still heart-breaking to hear this. Thinking off all your family and friends at this sad time. Forever young."

Evie Wilson said: "RIP Owen our memories will never be forgotten, see you on the other side keep partying up there we will soon be up to join you."

Nicola Faulding added: "You’re going to be missed Owen. We’re sending so much love and strength to your mum /family and friends. Mark will carry all your memories with him forever, devastating xx"

Anne Henderson said: "RIP Owen x gone too soon x Thoughts Go out to Family and Friends xx"

Floral tributes have been left at the scene following the passing of Owen Murphy (Image: Newsquest) Many readers also took to our Facebook page to pay their tributes.

Melanie Stanley said: "This is absolutely heart-breaking. Our hearts go out to his lovely family at such a devastatingly sad time.

Shaz Nettleton added: "So sad,r.i p Owen. I met you once and what a nice lad you was,all that knew you will have lost a good lad,so sad taken too soon, thoughts to your family and friends xx"

Kirsty Cadamarteri said: "RIP young Owen, may god bless you and give your family and friends the strength to survive this devastating time. God bless to all the boys gone to soon xxx"

Marion Smith added: "Heart breaking so young god bless sending love to your family."

Full West Yorkshire Police statement

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: "The rider of the motorcycle, a 17-year-old male, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

"He’s been bailed pending further enquiries.

"The driver of the Corsa, a 71-year-old male, attended a police station voluntarily and has been interviewed by police.

"Enquiries into the road traffic collision remain ongoing."

Full IOPC statement

A spokesperson for the IOPC said: “We have begun an independent investigation following a fatal collision on Harrogate Road, Bradford, involving a motorbike that had reportedly failed to stop for police.

"At around 1.20pm on October 28, the motorbike collided with a red Vauxhall Corsa being driven by a member of the public.

"An 18-year-old man, who was a passenger on the motorbike, was taken to hospital with serious injuries, and we have since been informed he died on Wednesday (November 6).

"Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones, as well as all those affected by this tragic incident.

"The rider of the motorbike also suffered serious injuries in the collision.

"IOPC investigators have begun the process of gathering and reviewing evidence as we work to determine the circumstances leading up to the incident on October 28.”