Part of hospital cordoned off after man found with gun
A MAN was found with a hidden gun after being spotted driving dangerously in Rochdale.
The 25-year-old was taken to the hospital after crashing his car following a police chase. Police said he was spotted at around 11am driving dangerously on Tweedale Road in Rochdale.
He failed to stop and was pursued by officers. He then smashed his car into another and was detained, before police found suspected drugs in his car.
He was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, fail to stop after a road traffic collision and possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply. Police took the suspect to the Fairfield General Hospital after he was injured in the crash.
There, a concealed firearm was found. A scene was put in place in part of the hospital as forensic officers investigated.
Part of Fairfield General Hospital was cordoned off by officers on Tuesday after the discovery was made. Armed officers were called to the scene.
The man now remains in police custody after having treatment for serious injuries. He was accompanied by armed officers at the hospital, police said.
The incident was ‘isolated’, the force added. Superintendent Richard Warden of GMP Rochdale Division said: “We understand this incident will have caused concern for many at the hospital and in the wider community.
“We have been working with hospital staff to minimise disruption and ensure that there was no risk to the wider public.
“The suspect was detained throughout, and a scene was put in place, which brought the incident to a swift conclusion.
“This was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing disruption at Fairfield Hospital. The 25-yearold man remains in custody as our enquiries continue.”