'You will be forever in our hearts' - Woman who died in city centre bus crash named as tributes paid

A woman who died in a horror crash at a city centre bus stop has been named as Joyce Bacon. Ms Bacon, from Droylsden, Tameside, was struck by a double-decker Stagecoach bus at a stop near Piccadilly Gardens.

Despite the best efforts of medics, she sadly could not be saved. Two other pedestrians were also hit by the bus, which smashed into a shelter shortly before 9.30pm on Sunday night (July 11).

Another woman, in her 50s, suffered serious injuries, while a man in his 60s received treatment for what police described as 'minor' injuries.

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The bus driver remained at the scene and 'assisted officers with their enquiries', Greater Manchester Police said. The force's Serious Collision Investigation Unit urged anyone with dash cam or helmet cam footage to come forward.

Manchester Coroners' Office confirmed a file relating to Ms Bacon's death had been received. A spokesperson said her age was listed as 60. An inquest is due to be opened in two weeks.

A number of floral tributes have been left the scene. Most of the bus shelter debris has been removed.

A card on one bunch of flowers reads: "Our beautiful friend Joyce. You will be forever in our hearts. May your soul rest in peace."

A spokesman for Stagecoach Manchester said on Monday morning: "We can confirm that one of our vehicles was involved in a serious incident at a bus shelter at Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester around 9.30pm on Sunday evening.

"Our first thoughts are for those affected by the incident and their families. Safety is our absolute priority and we are supporting the investigation into the circumstances involved in any way that we can."

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