Police were called to reports of a crash at two locations in Rochdale which left three people injured, including a child, with the male driver arrested on suspicion of assault and attempted murder
A woman has died and three other people, including a child, have been left injured after a car ploughed into a crowd of pedestrians in Rochdale, Greater Manchester. Police were called to reports of two collisions around 2:30pm, with a woman later being airlifted to hospital.
She has sadly now died after being rushed to doctors with life-threatening injuries after the crash. Greater Manchester Police revealed a 49-year-old male driver has been arrested on suspicion of assault, attempted murder, and suspicion of murder – he was detained while in hospital.
Cops and emergency services rushed to two collisions on Woodgate Avenue and Whitworth Road in Rochdale. Police revealed that the woman who later died was ploughed into on Whitworth Road.
The other three pedestrians who suffered minor injuries, none of which are life-threatening – were hit on Woodgate Avenue. They were all taken to hospital for treatment after the horror road incident.
Police said the investigation following Saturday’s dead collision was being led by the Major Incident Team and was not being treated as terrorism related.
Assistant Chief Constable John Webster said: “Firstly, our thoughts are with the family of the victim who has sadly lost their life in this tragic case. The actions of a single person have caused significant damage to the people of Rochdale.
“I want to take this opportunity to categorically confirm that this terrible incident is in no way related to the pre-planned Counter Terrorism arrests and searches that took place yesterday, part of which resulted in the arrest of a man in Rochdale on Saturday evening. We are aware of comments on social media about the driver’s identity and ethnicity. The suspect is a white male currently in custody and no further details can be released at this time.
“I also want to reassure the public that ongoing efforts are being taken to ensure the safety of people in Rochdale and our Major Incident Team are conducting several lines of enquiry. The lone offender has been arrested on suspicion of murder and it is being treated as an isolated incident, with both scenes now closed and roads reopened.
“This incident caused significant disruption yesterday and I thank the public for their cooperation and understanding while our officers conducted their enquiries. We are committed to this investigation and have significant resources dedicated to it.
“To all those people affected by yesterday’s tragic events, community solidarity and unity is vital in times like these and especially for the families and friends of those impacted by this incident.”
