A woman has died and three others, including a child, have been injured after a car reportedly ploughed into pedestrians during two separate collisions in Rochdale on Saturday, 3 May 2025, police have confirmed.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said officers responded to reports of road traffic collisions involving a car and four pedestrians at Woodgate Avenue and Whitworth Road.
Details of the Incident
- On Woodgate Avenue, three people — including a child — suffered minor injuries and have since been discharged from hospital.
- On Whitworth Road, a woman was seriously injured and airlifted to hospital, but tragically, she has now died from her injuries.
Man Arrested on Suspicion of Murder
A 49-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault, attempted murder, and subsequently murder. He remains in custody as investigations continue, led by GMP’s Major Incident Team.
Not Terrorism-Related
GMP has stressed that this incident is not terrorism-related and is completely separate from a pre-planned Counter Terrorism Policing operation that took place later the same evening in Rochdale.
In that separate operation, a 40-year-old Iranian man was arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act linked to a suspected plot to target a specific premises.
Police Statement
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said:
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the woman who has sadly died. This is a devastating incident, and our investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information, CCTV, or dashcam footage from either location is urged to contact GMP’s Major Incident Team immediately.
