AN 18-YEAR-OLD GIRL has died after being hit by a police van answering a 999 call.

Laura Melvin was hit by the van on Saturday night as it travelled along Bury New Road, Prestwich.

Laura, of Marston Close, Whitefield, was taken to the North Manchester General Hospital with head injuries and was later transferred to the Royal Oldham Hospital where she died on Tuesday morning.

The police van, which was travelling towards Manchester, was responding to an emergency call and had its lights and sirens activated. The van went on to collide with a car.

Officers are continuing to appeal for witnesses to the collision, which occurred at approximately 11.10pm. Police are keen to speak to a woman with long hair and a man who were seen walking towards Prestwich near to the Red Lion pub who may have seen the collision or may have

information about the circumstances leading up to the incident.

The case has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission, who have nominated Cheshire Police to investigate it.

Anyone who witnessed the accident is asked to contact the Area 2 Road Policing Unit on 0161 856 3572 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.