US investigators examine whether parade crash driver was fleeing crime

Toppled chairs after an SUV drove into a Christmas parade in Waukesha (John Hart/Wisconsin State Journal via AP)

Investigators are looking into whether the SUV driver who ploughed through a Christmas parade in suburban Milwaukee, killing at least five people and injuring more than 40, was fleeing from a crime, a US law enforcement official has said.

Marching bands and children in Santa hats waving pompoms were among those taking part in the parade when a vehicle sped through barricades and struck dancers, musicians and others.