Woman killed and baby injured after driver suffers 'mental health episode' at the wheel

Daily Mirror

05-05-2025

A woman was killed and three others injured when a car hit them in two separate incidents in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, at the weekend, as police have provided an update
A woman was killed and three other people, including a baby, were injured after a driver suffered a 'mental health episode', according to police.
Greater Manchester Police were called to reports of two collisions around 2:30pm on Saturday afternoon, when a black BMW 'mounted the pavement' and hit four people. At the first collision three people, including an infant, suffered minor injuries but at the second a woman was severely hurt and airlifted to hospital, where she later died. Police earlier confirmed a 49-year-old man was arrested and is being held on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
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In an update to MP Elsie Blundell, Chief Inspector Ian Partington said the man suffered a mental health episode. He added: 'On Saturday, a white male in a black BMW mounted the pavement at Woodgate Avenue and collided at two separate points along the road with a female pedestrian and a 22 month old baby in a pram.
'The driver did not remain at the scene and continued to drive down to Whitworth Road - where he again mounted the pavement and collided with an adult female and then continued to drive, stopping at the nearby lights.
'The male was then detained, and the police arrested him for attempted murder and a section 18 assault. The adult female and 22 month old sustained minor injuries and were kept in hospital overnight for treatment and observations. The adult female from Whitworth Road has tragically died in hospital.
'The police can confirm the male driver was suffering from a mental health episode and this incident is due to a deterioration in his mental health. It is not terrorism related.'
Police said the investigation following Saturday's collision was being led by the Major Incident Team and was not being treated as terrorism related.
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Assistant Chief Constable John Webster added: '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 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.'