A woman died after being airlifted to hospital
Police scene on Whitworth Road in Rochdale(Image: Manchester Evening News)
A suspect in a BMW ‘mounted the kerb’ and ‘struck a woman and a baby in a pram’ before fleeing the scene and killing a pedestrian in a horror crash in Rochdale, according to an MP.
Officers were called at around 2.30pm on Saturday (May 3) following reports of collisions involving one car and multiple pedestrians. Four people were all left injured after collisions with a car at two major roads; Bury Road near Woodgate Avenue and Whitworth Road.
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.
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On Whitworth Road, one woman, aged 68, was injured and airlifted to hospital. Police confirmed on Sunday (May 4), that she later died as a result of her injuries.
The male driver, a 49-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of assault, attempted murder and murder, Greater Manchester Police said. The force has been contacted for the latest on the incident.
In an update, Rochdale MP for Heywood and Middleton North Elsie Blundell, said police confirmed the driver, in a black BMW, had ‘mounted the kerb’ before hitting woman and a 22-month-old baby, in a pram. The driver then fled and struck another woman on Whitworth Road – the victim who later died.
Police in attendance at the fatal crash scene(Image: MEN MEDIA)
Greater Manchester Police on Sunday confirmed the incident was not being treated as terror-related and revealed the suspect was a white male, following false speculation that it was linked to the counter-terrorism raids and arrests in Greater Manchester.
“On Saturday, a white male in a black BMW mounted the pavement at Woodgate Avenue and collided at two separate points along the road with a female pedestrian and a 22 month old baby in a pram,” Blundell wrote on social media.
“The driver did not remain at the scene and continued to drive down to Whitworth Road – where he again mounted the pavement and collided with an adult female and then continued to drive, stopping at the nearby lights. The male was then detained, and the police arrested him for attempted murder and a section 18 assault.
Ambulances at the scene off Whitworth Road(Image: Supplied)
“The adult female and 22 month old sustained minor injuries and were kept in hospital overnight for treatment and observations. The adult female from Whitworth Road has tragically died in hospital.
“The police can confirm that the male driver was suffering from a mental health episode and this incident is due to a deterioration in his mental health. It is not terrorism related.
“You will be aware of the counter terrorism arrest later that night in Rochdale, which was a pre-planned operation by the counter terrorism police. It is not linked to the collision. An adult male was arrested for terrorism offences and a scene at the home address is still in place.
“These are being treated and dealt with as two separate incidents, and it was purely coincidental that they occurred on the same day within a few hours of each other. Greater Manchester Police has ensured that there is a greater police presence in the area for visibility and public reassurance.”
Assistant Chief Constable John Webster previously 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.”