Woman dies after car rams into pedestrians as child also injured

A woman has died after a car collided twice into pedestrians in Rochdale, injuring three others. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said a male driver, aged 49, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remanded in custody. The woman had been airlifted to hospital after she was hit by a car in Whitworth Road. Three pedestrians, including a child, were injured in Woodgate Avenue, about two miles away.

The incidents are not being treated as terrorism-related and which saw a 40-year-old Iranian man arrested in Rochdale on Saturday evening. said the emergency services were called to road traffic collisions involving a car and pedestrians in Woodgate Avenue and Whitworth Road at around 2.30pm on Saturday (May 3).

The people injured in Woodgate Avenue suffered minor injuries. said all three have been discharged from hospital after receiving treatment.

Police confirmed the driver was arrested on suspicion of assault and attempted murder, but has now been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Asst Ch Cons 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 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."

He added police were aware of comments on social media about the driver's identity and ethnicity. Mr Webster said: "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."

Mr Webster said it was "being treated as an isolated incident" and roads have now reopened.

He added the incident caused "significant disruption" on Saturday and thanked the public for their cooperation and understanding while officers carried out their enquiries.

The policeman said: "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."