Menai police chase: Man dead after Alfords Point Road crash

The man who died after a police chase through southern Sydney on Friday morning was a 19-year-old from Oyster Bay.

A critical incident was declared by NSW Police after a man died during a police pursuit. Picture: TNV

The man who died after a police chase through southern Sydney on Friday morning was a 19-year-old from Oyster Bay.

A critical incident was declared and road were closed causing huge traffic jams following the chase through Menai at 6am.

The ute collided with another vehicle as police gave chase with the man dying at the scene. The driver of the other vehicle was not injured.

Assistant Commissioner Tony Cooke, the Central Metropolitan Region commander, said a Highway Patrol officer was conducting radar speed enforcement duties when the driver was detected travelling in excess of the speed limit on the Bangor Bypass.

The ute driver allegedly sped away from police after they tried to stop him. Picture: TNV

The white ute was followed onto New Illawarra Rd, where the officer attempted to stop the driver by activating lights and sirens

Assistant Commissioner Cooke said the vehicle did pull over and stopped and when the officer began to get out of his car, the young man drove away at speed.

The officer followed the car for a “very short pursuit” before the driver travelled onto Alfords Point Rd where he attempted to merge from lane one to three and in doing so “lost control” and collided with a guard rail and another vehicle.

Alfords Point Rd was closed in both directions on Friday morning as investigations got underway. Picture: TNV

Assistant Commissioner Cooke said a critical incident investigation was now under way.

“Having viewed the in-car video footage, it is clear there was a very short pursuit,” Assistant Commissioner Cooke said.

“The officer appears to have very clearly acted within the guidelines. In the circumstances, I am satisfied of that.

“The entire incident will be the subject of the independent investigation.”

Assistant Commissioner Cooke said he could not provide details on how fast the driver was travelling to prompt the stop.

He also could not comment on whether the driver had a criminal or traffic record because he was yet to be formally identified; nor could he detail what the driver was doing in the area at the time.

He confirmed the man’s ute was not stolen.

Assistant Commissioner Cooke has asked for members of the public who were in the area at the time to provide dash cam footage or information to police.

Got a news tip? Email [e-mail]