AN OFF-duty police officer was travelling at high speed moments before a fatal collision at the Rocket Interchange, an inquest has heard.

Witnesses saw 33-year-old Simon Dean’s VW Golf “whizz” past them close to the busy junction.

Mr Dean, an officer based in Warrington, failed to turn as the road bent to the right. He then collided with a Mini on May 24 this year before his car smashed into a wall outside the Royal Naval Association social club. He died at the scene.

Police collision expert PC Alastair Philip Bowden said no accurate speed could be calculated although he was confident Mr Dean was travelling at more than the 50mph limit.

Dr Matthew Lyle, who conducted a post mortem, tested blood glucose levels as the policeman had diabetes.

He said: “It was extremely low and, in a living person, it could have caused unconsciousness and before this it could cause irrational behaviour and irritability.”

But the tests were carried out too long after Mr Dean’s death to be confident this was the case.

Deputy assistant coroner Anita Bhardwaj recorded a narrative verdict.