Tribute to man who died on M56 after police chase

A man who was killed on the M56 after being chased by police on a motorbike had been "turning his life around" after finally finding "a purpose" through his daughter, his family said.

Cody Lowndes, 27, was stopped by officers after being spotted driving in a "dangerous manner" on the M60, around Stockport Pyramid, at about 19:30 BST on Saturday, Greater Manchester Police said.

The force said he left the bike and ran off across the motorway and was struck by another vehicle and died at the scene.

His family said they were "heartbroken" that their "best friend" had died, and his daughter would never know the "real Cody" that they "all knew and loved".

Lowndes had "struggled throughout his life", they said, despite the love and care of his family but "Cody finally found a purpose in his life through his beautiful baby [daughter]".

"Cody was turning his life around," his family said.

"The knowledge that his beautiful daughter will never know the real Cody that we all knew and loved is a hurt that we will struggle to heal, along with the knowledge that we will never get to see Cody live his life to his full potential. The potential we knew he always had."

The tribute added: "We will always love Cody, and he will live on in our hearts and memories. Please let us mourn Cody in peace, as a family.

"As a family we are heartbroken that our best friend Cody has passed away."

Greater Manchester Police said it had referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which decided an independent investigation was required.

A second man, who was not involved in the initial pursuit, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs and causing death by driving uninsured.

The force is appealing for anyone with information, dashcam footage or CCTV footage to contact the force.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.