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The police officer, who was driving alone in a marked police car, told the IPCC his attention was drawn to the VW Polo because its windscreen was completely frosted over as if its internal heating had not been working.

The officer, who was trained to carry out police pursuits, activated his car’s sirens and blue lights but Mr Christian did not stop. Eyewitnesses told the IPCC they saw the VW Polo being driven in a dangerous manner at speeds of up to 70mph in residential streets with a 30mph limit. They also described the roads as being icy and driving conditions as hazardous. Analysis of data showed the police car reached a maximum of 57 miles per hour during the pursuit.

Mr Perris and Mr Christian died from multiple injuries when the car left the road and collided with a tree. Efforts were made by police to secure urgent medical attention but the men’s injuries proved too serious.

IPCC Commissioner James Dipple-Johnstone said: "The deaths of these two young men will have had a devastating effect on their families and friends and I offer my sincerest condolences to them.

"Our investigation examined all of the actions of the officer who pursued the car driven by Mr Christian and concluded that there was no evidence that he acted outside his lawful duties. There was a justifiable rationale for the pursuit and it cannot be said that there were any failings on the part of the officer or Greater Manchester Police.”