Six suffer serious injuries in car crash

Six people suffered serious injuries when two cars collided on Manchester Road today (Saturday 29 September) - a Noble M12 sports car was involved in a collision with a silver Renault Clio.

Shortly after 2pm a Renault Clio was turning right from Manchester Road into New Barn Lane when it was in collision with the Noble M12, which was travelling alongside a Suzuki 750 motorbike in the opposite direction.

The Clio then collided with a pedestrian barrier and the three rear seat passengers were thrown from the car.

The driver of the Noble, a 23-year-old man from Littleborough, suffered a serious head injury. He was taken to the Rochdale infirmary where he remains in a stable condition. His injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

The driver of the Renault Clio, a 27-year-old woman from Heywood, suffered a broken rib. The front seat passenger, a 27-year-old man from Heywood suffered a cut to his right arm. Both were taken to Rochdale Infirmary for treatment.

The rear seat passengers from the Clio suffered more serious injuries. A 33-year-old woman from Rochdale suffered serious head injuries, a 25-year-old woman from Heywood suffered serious internal injuries and a 25-year-old woman from Heywood suffered head and internal injuries. All three were taken to Rochdale infirmary for treatment and remain in a critical condition.

Police closed Manchester Road off to traffic all afternoon and evening.

A 36-year-old man from Chadderton was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving. He has been bailed until 26 November 2007 pending further inquiries.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any further information is asked to contact the area 3 road policing unit on 0161 856 8473.