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Welshpool: Leach Highway closed following police incident

Staff WriterCanning Gazette

UPDATE, 10.00am: POLICE say a 35-year-old woman was behind the wheel of a silver Ford Falcon involved in an overnight pursuit being linked to the death of a motorcyclist.

They have appealed for more information from people about the vehicle involved in the early-morning chase and crash.

The motorcycle rider, a man in his 20’s, was found shortly after midnight not far from from where the Falcon was discovered crashed into a power pole on Leach Highway.

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He was taken to Royal Perth Hospital and later died.

Police said they sighted and tried to stop the Falcon several times after an initial attempt about 11.45pm in Seville Grove. It’s not clear whether they were actively pursuing the car at the time the Falcon crashed.

The driver of the Falcon ran from the crash scene but was captured by police in bushland not far away. She was not seriously injured but was taken to Royal Perth Hospital, where she remains under police guard.

An investigation into the pursuit and the circumstances surrounding the crash about 40 minutes later, is being undertaken by Major Crash investigators and the police internal affairs unit.

Call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online.

UPDATE, 8.00am: LEACH Highway has re-opened in both directions.

UPDATE, 7.15am: A MAN in his 20s has died following a police chase in Perth’s south-east overnight.

The motorcyclist was hit head-on about midnight on Leach Highway in Welshpool.

It is believed the silver Ford sedan was involved in a police chase before the crash and had been driving on the wrong side of the road.

The rider was treated on the scene by paramedics and taken to Royal Perth Hospital in a critical condition but died from his injuries.

Why the car was being pursued by police is still unknown.

Major Crash detectives and the Internal Affairs Unit are investigating this morning.

Leach Highway remains closed between Welshpool Road and Albany Highway.

6.40am: A POLICE incident in Welshpool has closed Leach Highway in both directions.

Main Roads WA reported the closure at 12.43am this morning, with the road closed between Welshpool Road and Albany Highway.

Closures are still in place and drivers are urged to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.

More to come.