Heywood Man Dies in Pub Crash After Police Pursuit
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Heywood Man Dies in Pub Crash After Police Pursuit
- William Place, 23, died on July 1, 2024, when his car crashed into the White Lion pub in Heywood after a police pursuit, with toxicology reports showing his blood alcohol level was 163mg per decilitre, more than double the legal limit of 80mg.
- An inquest into his death began on September 14, 2026, at Rochdale Coroner's Court, where Assistant Coroner Lisa Judge is overseeing proceedings.
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An inquest is underway into the death of William “Will” Place, a 23-year-old university graduate who died on July 1, 2024, after his car crashed into the White Lion pub in Heywood, Greater Manchester. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning following a brief police pursuit.
Jurors at Rochdale Coroner’s Court, where the inquest began on September 14, 2026, were told that Place had been out watching an England football match on June 30, 2024, and had consumed several alcoholic drinks. According to reports, he had consumed an estimated four to five pints of Stella lager and three mixed drinks. Toxicology analysis revealed a blood alcohol level of 163mg per decilitre, which is more than double the legal driving limit of 80mg.
The inquest heard that a police van began pursuing Place’s white Dacia Sandero after it went through a red light and failed to stop. During the pursuit, Place’s vehicle was recorded traveling at speeds of up to 70mph in a 30mph zone. The police pursuit was discontinued at 3:12 AM due to a lack of “tactical options” to safely stop the vehicle. However, Place continued to drive at speed and subsequently lost control, crashing into the pub. The car became embedded in the building, and a fire broke out, leading to a partial collapse of the structure. Emergency services recovered his body after gaining access, and he was pronounced dead at 4:08 AM. The cause of death was recorded as an intracranial hemorrhage due to a traumatic head injury from a road traffic accident, with alcohol misuse listed as a contributory factor.
Place’s family has raised concerns regarding the police’s conduct during the pursuit, including its dangerous nature and the alleged lack of dashcam and body-worn video footage. Assistant Coroner Lisa Judge has asked the jury to consider the circumstances of the police’s decision to pursue, how risks were assessed, communication with the control room, and Place’s intentions and driving leading to the crash. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is conducting an independent investigation into the circumstances of the fatal collision. Place’s mother, Beverley Place, a local councillor, described her son as “loving and kind” and stated he “made the worst decision of his life and tragically paid the ultimate price.” The inquest is expected to last approximately four days.