Football fan, 23, dies after making the worst decision of his life

A 'loving and kind' football fan died in a horrific crash after 'celebrating England's Euros win', his heartbroken mum has revealed.

Will Place, 23, was pronounced dead at the scene after the car he was driving was ploughed into a pub in Heywood and erupted into flames in the early hours of Monday morning (July 1).

Will, who had only recently graduated in sports journalism and had spent the evening celebrating England's victory against Slovakia, died after his Dacia Sandero was smashed into the White Lion pub on York Street in Heywood at around 3:15am.

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The crash, that occurred after police officers in a patrol car had attempted to stop the vehicle on nearby Bolton Road moments before, then sparked a huge blaze, with fire crews racing to the incident.

His mum Beverley Place, a councillor in Heywood and a former mayor of Rochdale, has since issued a tribute to her son saying he made 'the worst decision of his life' and 'paid the ultimate price' after he celebrated England's win against Slovakia on Sunday (June 30).

Greater Manchester Police said officers engaged in a 'short pursuit' with Will's Dacia Sandero onto Rochdale Road East, which was stopped a short time later. Moments after, Will's car then crashed into the pub and exploded into flames. GMP said the incident had been referred to the IOPC in-line with normal procedure.

In a statement, Ms Place said: "Will was adored by all that knew him. He was a special person, with a heart of gold, who lit up every room with his infectious smile and personality.

"He was passionate about football and in the early hours of Monday