Authorities reported that a driver has been arrested on charges of attempted murder following injuries to four individuals in two separate incidents in Rochdale.
A woman was critically injured and airlifted to the hospital after her vehicle collided with another car on Whitworth Road. Meanwhile, three pedestrians, one of whom was a child, were hurt about two miles away on Woodgate Avenue.
The suspect, a 49-year-old man, is currently in hospital custody under suspicion of assault and attempted murder, as per the Manchester police statement.
A recent police announcement clarified that the situation is not being classified as a terrorist incident.
According to a Greater Manchester Police spokesperson, “Around 2:30 PM today, emergency services responded to reports of traffic collisions involving both vehicles and pedestrians at two sites in Rochdale: Woodgate Avenue and Whitworth Road.” On Woodgate Avenue, three individuals sustained minor injuries, including the child, but thankfully none were life-threatening or life-altering; they were transported to the hospital for care.
On Whitworth Road, the situation was more serious, with a woman suffering potentially life-threatening injuries requiring airlift to a medical facility.
Aide John Webster mentioned, “Our executives are currently providing support to the victims and their families.” He noted that the police “consider this to be an isolated incident,” although they will continue to increase their presence in the area.
He also emphasized, “We are thoroughly investigating the matter and are committed to ensuring community safety. We urge anyone with information to come forward and help with our inquiries.”
