M74 death crash: drivers quizzed over road rage link

Jun 18 2009 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

POLICE quizzed 200 motorists exactly a week after a dad-of-two was killed in a horror smash on the M74.

Mark Fleeman died when his van overturned on the northbound carriageway between Larkhall and Hamilton on Thursday, June 4, at 4.35am.

Detectives say it was more than a tragic incident and are treating it as a ‘potential homicide.

It’s not known whether Mark was forced off the road by another vehicle or lost control while taking evasive action.

Police say a dark grey van was “causing alarm and concern” on the motorway before the fatal crash.

Between 3am and 4.30am last Thursday, detectives and traffic cops questioned to 200 motorists at Hamilton and Abington service stations and handed out leaflets with a photo of the white Ford transit van that Mark was driving.

Shopfitter Mark died at the scene and his 17-year-old passenger Lee Allsup was seriously injured.

Detective chief inspector Neil Thomson, of Hamilton CID, said: “We have reason to suspect that this was more than a tragic accident.

“At this time, officers are sifting through the information gleaned from drivers. We have already received information that I would describe as particularly significant.

“I am delighted with the response the officers received.”

DCI Thomson made a fresh appeal for witnesses and is keen to trace a grey van that was seen in the area before the crash.

“I again ask anyone who was travelling on the M74 between 3.30am and 5am on Thursday, June 4, and saw the white transit van between junctions 7 Larkhall and 6 Hamilton to contact us,” he added.

“They may also have seen a dark grey van travelling near to it. We now have information that suggests that incidents may have occurred on the M74 before the fatal event.

“These involve a dark grey-coloured van causing alarm and concern in relation to the manner in which it was being driven.

“Anyone who saw the dark grey van anywhere on the M74 is urged to contact us.

“Any piece of information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could be relevant to our investigation.”

Mark, of Uttoxter, was driving to work when he was killed.

His white van was heading north on the incident lane of the motorway when it overturned.

Anyone with information should contact the incident room at Larkhall Police Office on 01698 202326, or call. Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.