Police probe reports Manchester City star was racing friend at time of crash

Police believe Manchester City footballer Courtney Meppen-Walter may have been racing a friend seconds before a car crash in which two people died.

The 18-year-old, who is yet to make a first-team appearance for City was arrested on Sunday on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Detectives are now investigating whether Meppen-Walter was challenging the second driver to a race seconds before his silver Mercedes collided with their red Nissan Micra on Bury New Road in north Manchester, according to the Manchester Evening News.

Ravel-Kaur Singh, 37, and her 32-year-old brother Kulwant Singh died in the crash, while Ms Singh’s two sons, who were back-seat passengers in the Micra, are still in hospital.

The 16-year-old boy has a head injury which is not believed to be life-threatening while the 17-year-old boy suffered a serious head injury and remains in a critical condition.

An eyewitness, who was one of the first people at the scene of the crash, said: ‘The driver of the Mercedes was standing in the middle of the road shouting “it wasn’t me, it wasn’t me.”

Man City released a statment, saying: “This is a devastating tragedy for this family and also for the Greater Manchester community at large.”

“Manchester City Football Club offers its heartfelt condolences to the family and all affected by the events of yesterday evening.

“The situation is subject to an extensive investigation by Greater Manchester police and therefore we are unable to make specific comment on the incident itself at this time.”

A second man, who was driving a grey Volkswagen Golf involved in the crash, has also been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Courtney Meppen-Walter was today released on bail.