Murder investigation launched after woman dies following Rochdale crashes
Four people were injured in two collisions yesterday afternoon
A woman has died after she was one of four people injured in two collisions with a car in Rochdale.
The woman had been airlifted to hospital after she was hit by a car in Whitworth Road yesterday afternoon (Saturday 3rd May 2025) - and three pedestrians, including a child, were injured in Woodgate Avenue, around two miles away.
A 49-year-old male driver has now been arrested on suspicion of murder and remanded into custody, Greater Manchester Police said.
The incidents are not being treated as terrorism-related.
Police have confirmed what happened - and the subsequent arrests - is unrelated and separate to the pre-planned Counter Terrorism Policing operation which saw one 40-year-old Iranian man arrested in Rochdale yesterday evening.
A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said:
"This man was arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act, contrary to section 5 of the Terrorism Act.
"This investigation relates to a suspected plot to target a specific premises and is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing, with GMP officers assisting in the arrest of individuals and searches of premises in Greater Manchester."
Assistant Chief Constable John Webster added:
“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 that 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.
“We are aware of comments on social media about the driver’s identity and ethnicity. 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. The lone offender has been arrested on suspicion of murder and it is being treated as an isolated incident, with both scenes now closed and roads reopened.
“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.”