West Yorkshire Police Launch National Manhunt for Hit-and-Run Suspects in Leeds Tragedy
Fatal Crash Claims Life of 19-Year-Old Ashton Kitchen-White
West Yorkshire Police are in hot pursuit after naming three suspects tied to the hit-and-run death of 19-year-old Ashton Kitchen-White. The young man was struck and killed on Leeds’ Ring Road, Beeston Park, just after 10pm on Friday, 16 May 2025.
Ashton was hit by a red Ford Focus as he crossed near Leeds Urban Bike Park. The driver had just turned from Bodmin Approach onto the ring road. Despite emergency teams’ best efforts, Ashton was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving his family devastated.
Suspects Named as Police Expand Search Nationwide
The red Ford Focus was found abandoned nearby. Police initially arrested two males, aged 19 and 15, but they were released without charge. Now, West Yorkshire Police’s Major Collision Enquiry Team are hunting three men believed to have been involved:
- Regan Kemp, 26, from St Just, Penzance, Cornwall
- Macauley Martin, 26, from Livingston, West Lothian, Scotland
- Liam Miller, 24, from Polbeth, West Lothian, Scotland
Police believe the suspects drove the Ford Focus from Scotland to Leeds before the deadly crash and quickly returned north afterward. CCTV footage has been released to help track them down.
Operation Pintford: Police Plea for Information
“Ashton was a much-loved young man with a bright future ahead. His death has devastated his family and friends,” said Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle, leading the probe under Operation Pintford. “We urgently need to find these three men. Now is not the time for misplaced loyalty. Please come forward with any information, no matter how small.”
Anyone with information should call 101, quoting crime reference 13250275852 or Operation Pintford. Tips can also be given via West Yorkshire Police’s live chat or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org.
Community Mourns and Demands Safety Improvements
Ashton’s death has sparked widespread grief and outrage across Leeds. Social media is flooded with tributes describing him as a “kind soul” and “a passionate, driven young man.” Floral tributes now mark the crash site.
Local residents are calling for urgent action to improve pedestrian safety on the busy ring road. This tragedy adds to a growing number of fatal collisions in West Yorkshire, with police vowing to crack down on those responsible.
