CAR HITS CROWD OF SHOPPERS
SEVEN INJURED OUTSIDE ASDA MAN, 80, ARRESTED
AN 80-year-old man was arrested after seven people were injured when a car hit pedestrians outside a supermarket in Harpurhey.
Police were called to the car park between Asda and Harpurhey Market shortly after 3.30pm yesterday following reports that a Kia Venga had collided with a number of pedestrians and several other vehicles.
An air ambulance and six road ambulances were also sent to the scene.
Seven people were taken to either Salford Royal Hospital or Manchester Royal Infirmary for treatment. Some had what were described as ‘major trauma’ injuries.
Another person was treated at the scene but did not need hospital treatment.
The casualties were thought to have been waiting at a taxi rank when they were hit.
A cordon was put in place around a large section of the car park for several hours yesterday evening while police and paramedics worked at the scene.
At around 8pm, the area had been reopened and only two police cars remained.
A Greater Manchester Police spokesman confirmed that an 80-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
Police say enquiries into the full circumstances of the incident are ongoing.
Meanwhile, witnesses have told how volunteers rushed to the scene from Asda, the market and nearby shops to help.
They included a homeless man, who heard the impact and supported an injured woman in the aftermath.
Sean, who asked the M.E.N. not to use his surname, comforted the woman until ambulances arrived and spoke to her to try to keep her conscious.
Sean said: “It’s just what you do, when people need help.
“The lady had a massive cut on her leg and her hand was all bruised.
“She was lucky she was the second in the queue. She just felt something hit the back of her.
“There was another chap who looked seriously ill. A woman with a compound fracture. I hope they’re all right. All these people came out from the precinct, security and staff from Asda – they brought duvets out. A girl from the taxi place brought tea.
“It was good to see people rallying round, but that’s Harpurhey for you.
“People in Harpurhey have nothing, but they give everything.”
Shopping centre manager Neil Lindsay has praised staff for coming to the aid of casualties.
He also stressed that this was not a deliberate act and people should not be worried.
Police also confirmed that the incident was not terrorrelated. Taz McCullough, who heard the incident and saw the aftermath, told the M.E.N. at the scene: “There were people laid on the floor, shopping trolleys, shopping everywhere. There were a few people who couldn’t move.”
Harpurhey councillor Pat Karney described the incident as ‘terrible,’ adding: “My thoughts are with all those injured, particularly those people who were traumatised by the incident.”
Greater Manchester Police said: “Shortly before 3.30pm on Monday, April 16 police were called to reports that a Kia Venga had been involved in a collision with two cars and a number of pedestrians in a car park at a supermarket in Harpurhey.
“An 80-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
“Enquiries into the full circumstances around this incident are ongoing.”
The North West Ambulance Service confirmed that several patients were taken to hospital, with some going for treatment at Manchester Royal Infirmary and others taken to Salford Royal.
A spokesman for NWAS said some of those affected had suffered ‘major trauma injuries.’
It was good to see people rallying round, but that’s Harpurhey for you Homeless man and witness, Sean