Appeal for dad hit by police car in chase
THE partner of an innocent man who has been left seriously injured after being hit by a police vehicle has spoken for the first time about the incident.
The 38-year-old dad, whose family have asked that he only be identified as Patryk, was struck by a police vehicle and suffered a catalogue of injuries.
Patryk was walking home from a Christmas party when the incident happened in Rochdale.
A fully-liveried Greater Manchester Police car had ‘requested’ a vehicle to stop on Milnrow Road in Rochdale at around 3.25am on Sunday November 19, the force said in a statement.
The driver did not stop and a ‘short pursuit’ followed which continued onto Rochdale Road in the Firgrove area of the town, where the collision happened between the police car and Patryk.
The driver of the car being pursued did not stop at the scene. But GMP has now confirmed they had made an arrest in connection with the incident.
Patryk has a four-year-old daughter, his family say. He was given medical assistance at the scene by police officers before being taken to Salford Royal Hospital where his condition remains critical.
An appeal has been launched to raise money for Patryk and his family. You can donate at www. gofundme.com and search for Patryk, then click on ‘Urgent support needed for Patryk K’.
Speaking to the Observer, his partner, Sylwia, 30, said: “He is still not in a good condition. We tried to wake him up today and we had some response. He opened his eyes, he moved his arm and leg on one side. He has left shoulder blade fracture, right rib fracture, a spinal fracture, kidney injuries, elbow, left shin, and right thigh bone, and right ankle open fractures.
“The day before we had a family party for our daughter and after that he had a Christmas party and he was coming home from the party.
“But I have information that he was on the walkway and that it wasn’t his fault. I don’t know exactly what happened because I am still waiting to speak to the IOPC [Independent Office for Police Conduct].”
Patryk works in a local warehouse as a forklift truck driver. He and Sylwia have been together for nine years. “He was not far from home when this happened,” she said.
“The doctors say it is going to be a long journey for him and us as well, and it may be two weeks before he wakes up properly.
“He will need physiotherapy and start to walk again. He has no head injuries. But with the spine injury they don’t know yet if he will need an operation – they are waiting to see if the bones heal by themselves.”
The IOPC said in a statement: “Our investigation into the circumstances of a collision involving a Greater Manchester Police car and a pedestrian on Rochdale Road, on 19 November, is ongoing.
“Officers, who had been pursuing a vehicle at the time, provided medical assistance to the injured man, who remains in hospital.
“We have obtained CCTV footage of the incident, which we are in the process of reviewing, alongside police radio transmissions, incident logs, and other evidence.
“Investigators will look at the actions and decision-making of police during the pursuit. We have been in contact with the man’s partner to explain our role and will continue to provide updates.”
The Gofundme appeal organiser, Elizabeth Roberts, says in an online post: “We are reaching out to you during a challenging time for our valued colleague, Patryk K from the night shift.
“Following a severe road traffic accident he is in hospital in a critical condition with life changing injuries. The road to recovery is going to be long and hard for Patryk and his family, and they require our collective support.
“To assist Patryk and his family during this difficult time we have set up a Gofundme page.
“Every contribution no matter the size, will make a positive impact on his journey to recovery and support Patryk & his family during this time. All monies donated will go directly to Patryk and his family. Thank you for your support, together we can make a positive difference. Stronger Together”. So far more than £4,000 has been raised.
In a statement, GMP said: “The driver of the car that failed to stop was arrested and he is currently on bail. The casualty remains in a stable but critical condition in hospital and IOPC are conducting their own independent investigation into police contact side.”