A teenage girl is fighting for her life in hospital after a police chase in Bolton ended in a crash on Tuesday evening. The 17-year-old sustained serious, life-threatening injuries when the vehicle she was travelling in collided on Walker Fold Road following a brief pursuit by Greater Manchester Police officers.

The incident unfolded at around 6.30pm when the car triggered an Automatic Number Plate Recognition camera in the Bolton area, having previously been marked as suspicious. Officers from the traffic unit later spotted the same vehicle on Old Kiln Lane, but the driver failed to stop. A short pursuit ensued before the car crashed on Walker Fold Road.

Emergency services attended the scene and the 17-year-old girl was treated for her injuries before being taken to hospital, where she remains in a critical condition. Three other occupants of the vehicle were also involved in the crash and were treated for minor injuries.

The driver, a 17-year-old boy, has been arrested on suspicion of aggravated vehicle taking without consent, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, assaulting an emergency worker, possession of a bladed article and possession of a controlled drug. A 19-year-old man and an 18-year-old woman, both believed to have been passengers in the car, were also arrested on suspicion of aggravated vehicle taking without the owner's consent.

Greater Manchester Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit has launched an appeal for witnesses, particularly anyone with dashcam footage from the area around the time of the crash. Anyone with information is asked to call 0161 856 4741, quoting incident number 2936 of 05/05/2025.

The force has also confirmed that it has referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, as is standard procedure following incidents of this nature, and said it would be supporting their investigation.

While this incident happened in neighbouring Bolton, it serves as a stark reminder for Oldham residents of the potential dangers on our roads, particularly when vehicles are pursued by police. Greater Manchester Police have emphasised their commitment to public safety, and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash are ongoing. The force has urged anyone with information to come forward to assist with their inquiries.