Rochdale crashes: Woman dies after being hit by car

A woman has died after she was among four people hit by a car involved in two crashes, police have said.

She was airlifted to hospital after the collision in Whitworth Road, Rochdale, on Saturday afternoon. That crash followed another where three people, including a child, were struck by the same vehicle in Woodgate Avenue, Greater Manchester Police said.

A 49-year-old man, who was arrested at the time on suspicion of assault and attempted murder, has now also been detained on suspicion of murder.

Assistant Chief Constable John Webster said the crashes were “in no way related” to a counter-terror policing raid where officers arrested a 40-year-old Iranian man in the borough on Saturday.

He said police were “aware of comments on social media about the driver’s identity and ethnicity”, adding: “The suspect is a white male currently in custody and no further details can be released at this time.”

Police said neither crash was being “treated as terrorism related”.

The three people who were hit in Woodgate Avenue suffered minor injuries and have since been discharged from hospital.

ACC Webster said: “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.”