A woman has died after being struck by a car in a shocking incident on Whitworth Road, Rochdale, which police are now treating as murder.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed the woman, who had been airlifted to hospital with serious injuries, has since died. The 49-year-old male driver suspected of hitting her has been further arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.
The event unfolded on Saturday afternoon, 3 May 2025, when emergency services responded to reports of a vehicle colliding with pedestrians at two separate locations: Woodgate Avenue and Whitworth Road.
Three people, including a child, were injured on Woodgate Avenue. Thankfully, their injuries were not life-threatening and they have since been discharged from hospital. Tragically, the woman struck on Whitworth Road did not survive.
The incident is being led by GMP’s Major Incident Team, who confirmed it is not being treated as terrorism related. Police stressed this incident is completely unrelated to a separate counter terrorism operation that occurred later the same evening in Rochdale. That operation saw a 40-year-old Iranian man arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act, as part of a pre-planned operation led by Counter Terrorism Policing.
Assistant Chief Constable John Webster spoke about the road incident, offering his condolences to the victim's family. “The actions of a single person have caused significant damage to the people of Rochdale,” he said. “This terrible incident is in no way related to the Counter Terrorism arrests that took place later that day.”
Addressing speculation on social media, he confirmed: “The suspect is a white male currently in custody. No further details can be released at this time.”
Webster reassured residents that the event is being treated as an isolated case. “The lone offender has been arrested on suspicion of murder. Both scenes have now been closed and roads reopened. We thank the public for their patience and understanding.”
Residents who witnessed the incident or may have footage from the area are encouraged to submit details via GMP’s Major Incident Portal at: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP25S04-PO1
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