Man fighting for life after being hit by police car during pursuit as watchdog issues update

The police watchdog is 'assessing information' after a man was knocked down by a Greater Manchester Police vehicle in Rochdale.

The pursuit began when a vehicle failed to stop for police at around 3.25am on Sunday morning (November 19). Officers gave chase onto Milnrow Road and then Rochdale Road, where the pedestrian was hit.

The man - whose age has not been revealed - was rushed to the Salford Royal Hospital from the scene in a 'critical condition'. No further updates on his condition have been released yet today.

READ MORE: Police issue update after body of woman, 46, found near river

READ MORE: Forensics scour scene after Tesco ATM blown apart in 'explosion'

The driver of the vehicle being chased failed to stop at the scene of the crash, with officers now trying to track him down. The incident was referred to the GMP’s Professional Standards Directorate and the Independent Office for Police Conduct 'in line with normal procedure'.

In a statement issued this morning, a spokesperson for the IOPC - the police watchdog - confirmed a referral had been made. The spokesperson said 'we are assessing the available information to determine what further action is required'.

In full, the statement from the IOPC said: "We were notified of an incident by Greater Manchester Police on Sunday (19 November) where we were informed of a road traffic collision involving a police vehicle and a pedestrian.

"The evidence indicates that the collision occurred on Milnrow Road, Rochdale, at approximately 3.30am. Officers provided medical assistance to the injured man, who was taken to hospital.

"After receiving a referral from the force, we are assessing the available information to determine what further action is required."

A GMP