A woman has died and three others – including a child – have been injured after a car reportedly ploughed into pedestrians during a horrifying incident in Rochdale.
The tragedy unfolded yesterday afternoon, when Greater Manchester Police responded to two separate collisions involving the same vehicle in the Greater Manchester town.
Emergency services were first called to Woodgate Avenue, where three people – one of them a child – were struck by a car.
All three were taken to hospital with minor injuries and have since been discharged.
However, a second incident on Whitworth Road proved far more serious. A woman, who has not yet been named, was left critically injured after being hit by a car and was airlifted to hospital. Despite doctors’ efforts, she tragically died from her injuries.
A 49-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault and attempted murder in connection with the incidents. He has since also been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.
The case is now being investigated by Greater Manchester Police’s Major Incident Team, who confirmed the incidents are not being treated as terrorism-related.
The tragedy unfolded yesterday afternoon, when Greater Manchester Police responded to two separate collisions involving the same vehicle in the Greater Manchester town
Emergency services were first called to Woodgate Avenue, where three people – one of them a child – were struck by a car. All three were taken to hospital with minor injuries and have since been discharged
The force also stressed the fatal crash was entirely separate from a major counter-terror operation that took place in Rochdale later on Saturday evening.
That separate incident saw a 40-year-old Iranian man arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. It is believed to relate to a plot to target a specific premises. That investigation is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing, with support from local GMP officers.
Anyone with information about the car incidents in Rochdale has been urged to contact police as the investigation continues.
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.’
