The incident was not related to the counter-terrorism arrests made across Greater Manchester
Emergency crews at the scene on Whitworth Road
A woman has died after she was struck by a car in a horrific crash in Rochdale on Saturday (May 3). Four people were all left injured after collisions with a car at two major roads; Woodgate Avenue and Whitworth Road.
Officers were called at around 2.30pm following reports of collisions involving one car and multiple pedestrians. On Woodgate Avenue, three people were injured, including a child. All suffered minor injuries, none of which are life-threatening or life-changing, and were taken to hospital for treatment, Greater Manchester Police said.
On Whitworth Road, one woman was injured and airlifted to hospital. Police confirmed on Sunday (May 4), that she had since died as a result of her injuries. Her age has not been confirmed.
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The male driver, a 49-year-old man, was previously arrested on suspicion of assault and attempted murder. He has additionally been arrested on suspicion of murder and remanded into custody, Greater Manchester Police said.
Two large scenes remained in place in Rochdale throughout Saturday evening, with the investigation being led by the force’s Major Incident team.
Greater Manchester Police also clarified that the collisions were not being treated as terror-related and that the arrest made was not connected to a house being raided in Rochdale on Saturday evening.
A cordon was put in place following the two collisions(Image: Manchester Evening News)
It comes after a man, aged 40, was arrested after a door was ‘blown’ off a property on East Street. The raid was inked to a pre-planned counter-terrorism investigation, led by the Metropolitan Police, following a suspected terror plot on a premises.
Police also said that the man arrested in connection with the fatal collision in Rochdale was a white male, in a bid to shut down speculation online ‘about the driver’s identity and ethnicity’.
Any witnesses to the collisions in Rochdale are now being urged to contact police immediately or report it via their online portal.
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.”
Information can be shared through GMP’s Major Incident Portal for any footage captured on mobile devices, dash cam or for any witnesses to submit details – https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP25S04-PO1
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