A police officer has reportedly been hospitalised following head-on collision with a stolen car.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed this morning that a traffic officer is in hospital with serious injuries he sustained in a collision while responding to reports of a stolen car. The vehicle was reported stolen on Lancashire Hill, Stockport, at around 3.30am today, with officers from GMP’s Roads Policing Unit engaging the car in a 10-minute chase as it ran a series of red lights and reached speeds of up to 110mph before crashing into a police vehicle responding to the incident. The vehicle was travelling in the opposite direction on Hyde Road, Gorton, Manchester, at around 3:55am, with the crash sending both the police officer and male driver of the car to hospital.
The service has confirmed the male police officer has serious injuries to his arms and legs, and that a 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving with excess alcohol, drug driving and taking a vehicle without consent. He remains in custody for questioning.
Chief Inspector Michael Parker, of GMP’s Roads Policing Unit, said: “Our drivers are highly qualified and undertake regular and rigorous training. However, this incident shows the dangers they face each and every day to keep our roads safe.”
“We constantly patrol the road network to catch those who are intent on breaking the law, whether that be dangerous driving, driving under the influence or having no insurance.”
GMP confirmed it has launched an investigation into the incident and is reviewing footage of the crash, with members of the public urged to come forward with any information that might aid inquiries.
Hyde Road in Gorton has been closed this morning following a crash on the street this morning involving a police officer, who is said to have been left with serious injuries.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) also confirmed two men were taken to hospital in a statement, one of whom was a police officer.
A spokesperson said: “Just before 4am this morning (Tuesday, April 22), three fire engines from Gorton and Philips Park fire station were called to reports of a road traffic collision involving two cars on Hyde Road, Manchester. Crews arrived quickly at the scene.”
“Firefighters used spreading equipment, lighting and salvage sheets to get two men safely out of the vehicles, who were treated by colleagues from North West Ambulance Service at the scene and then taken to hospital. Firefighters were in attendance for around 50 minutes.”
Hyde road has been closed since at least 4.15am both ways following the collision, and remains so at present, with traffic unable to travel in both directions between Parkdale Avenue and Chapman Street.
Sections of Hengist Street and Wellington Street have also been closed off this morning, according to the Inrix traffic monitoring service.
An update from Inrix said: “A57 Hyde Road in both directions closed, heavy traffic due to accident between Parkdale Avenue and Chapman Street. Sections of Hengist and Wellington Street are also closed.”
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