Car smashes into shop front after police chase causing gas leak and leaving woman in hospital

A car smashed into a shop front, causing a gas leak and leaving a woman injured following a police chase in Bolton on Wednesday (April 19).

Officers in a marked police car signalled for a black Seat Ibiza to stop on Wigan Road in Bolton at around midday. The driver then failed to stop, and a short pursuit followed.

The car was then driven into a shop window on Derby Street, causing damage to the shop front and a gas pipe. The car also hit a pedestrian who has been taken to hospital with minor injuries.

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The driver fled the scene of the collision in the vehicle and has not yet been arrested by police. The Ibiza was then found abandoned a short distance away.

A huge emergency services presence was called to the scene and a cordon was erected due to the gas leak. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and the gas board attended the incident to isolate the gas and ensure the area was safe.

Greater Manchester Police are now appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage as part of their ongoing investigations.

Detective Sergeant Carla Deighton of GMP’s Bolton district said: “This happened on a busy street in Bolton in the middle of the day. People will have been either walking past or in their cars and we would like to speak to anyone who witnessed this incident, or who may have dash cam, mobile footage or CCTV relevant to this investigation.

“Officers want to speak to the driver regarding this incident as he may be able to assist with enquiries.

Anyone with information or footage is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4198, quoting log number 1433 of the 19/4/2023. You can also use our Live Chat service on the GMP website. Alternatively,