Manchester crash: Woman killed as car ploughs into pedestrians during ‘boy racers’ stage meet

Man, 21, being questioned after death during police 'major incident'

Police were called on Saturday night with reports of a man with serious injuries (Getty)

A woman has died after a car ploughed into pedestrians in Greater Manchester during a “car meet” for dozens of drivers staging unofficial road races, police said.

A 21-year-old man is being held on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and failing to stop after a collision.

Police declared a major incident after five people were said to be seriously hurt and were taken to hospital by paramedics.

The crash, at Trafford Park, was said to have happened as "boy racers" were taking part in the car meet, even though police have tried to crack down on such events.

Witnesses described how horrified onlookers rushed to help the injured.

Ryan Currie, 23, of Didsbury, said he saw three people and a dog "launched into the air".

He said: "The car then drove through them and carried on without stopping.

"At this point I heard the dog yelping and running round, loads of people ran over to attend to the injured.

"A huge crowd gathered round, ringing ambulances and police."

Four ambulances and a hazardous area response team, along with three senior clinicians, attended the scene. A sixth person who went to hospital of their own accord had injuries not thought to be serious.

A blue BMW 330D believed to have been involved was found in the Salford area later last night.

Police detained the suspect in the early hours of Friday.

Chief Superintendent Wayne Millar appealed for information and said around 60 vehicles were at the car meet at the time.

Parts of Trafford Park, a huge industrial estate with stretches of long straight roads and roundabouts, much of it deserted at night, has become known locally as a place used as a race track for car enthusiasts, at times attracting dozens of spectators.

A police cordon was around the scene this morning where trainers could be seen on the ground, with medical gloves and plastic wrapping from what appeared to be medical equipment left strewn around.

The crash happened in Europa Way just before 10pm on Thursday, but Greater Manchester Police confirmed on Friday evening that a woman had died.

Officers said there was no evidence to suggest the incident was terrorism-related, and appealed for any witnesses to come forward.

Chief Superintendent Jo Rogerson said: "We now have a man in custody and we will be questioning him under caution as part of our investigation.

"This is an extremely serious incident that we are dealing with and I cannot stress the importance of people contacting us if they know something.

"Any information, no matter how insignificant people think it may be, could be the piece that we need so please, call us."

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting reference number 2409 of 31/05/18, or call Crimestoppers.

Chief Superintendent Millar added: "First and foremost our thoughts are with the victims and families at this very difficult time.

"On arrival of emergency services, they were faced with a horrific scene and such was the number of casualties it was declared a major incident.

"We've been working very closely with Trafford Council to deal with this, since February 2017 there's been a Public Space Protection Order in force for that area and during that time we've made a number of arrests, seized a number of vehicles, we've engaged with those that are participating in these car meets.

"We've also sent a number of warning letters and also reported a number of people for several offences."