Police step up search for grey van speeding near fatal crash site

DETECTIVES investigating the possible murder of a man from Uttoxeter believe "other incidents" may have taken place along the route his van travelled on the fateful journey.

Senior officers have stepped up their major probe into the incident which they suspect could have involved road-rage at any stage of Mark Fleeman's 250 mile trip.

The inquiry team have also released details of the route travelled by the 32-year-old shopfitter who was killed on the M74 in Scotland after travelling through the night to a job from his home in Uttoxeter.

Mr Fleeman, of Windsor Road, travelled from his home town prior to being killed on the M74. His van was discovered on the northbound carriageway around 4.35am on Thursday, June 4.

He died and his 17-year-old college student passenger Lee Allsup, of Bentley Road, Uttoxeter, was seriously injured.

Lee, who only agreed to the trip at the last minute, is still recovering from his injuries at a hospital in Scotland.

The pair had been travelling in a white Ford transit van bearing the company name Kuehne & Nagel which is based at Foston in Derbyshire.

A grey coloured van was seen driving at speed near to the white Ford Transit prior to the incident. .

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Thompson said: "It is imperative that we trace this vehicle as the driver may be able to assist with our inquiries.

"There have been a few significant lines of inquiry which lead us to believe that there may have been other incidents on the stretch of road travelled by Mark on the night.

"It is for that reason that we are publicising details of the route travelled by Mark. It is important that we trace anyone who saw Mark's van or saw any interaction with other motorists to come forward.

"It may be that an incident occurred anywhere from when he commenced his journey from Uttoxeter, which resulted in the later incident where the white Ford transit van and grey coloured van were seen travelling at speed."

Any person who saw these vehicles or other erratic driver behaviour on the stretch of road listed, is urged to contact the incident room at Larkhall Police office on 01698 202326.

Alternatively telephone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.