Police issue update after officer seriously injured in head-on smash

A 'stolen car' reached speeds of up to 110mph during a pursuit

Police have issued an update after an officer was rushed to hospital following a head-on crash that ended a high-speed pursuit.

Officers responded to reports of a car being stolen from Lancashire Hill, in Stockport, at around 3.30am on Tuesday morning (April 22).

Specialist officers engaged in a pursuit, with the driver of the suspected stolen car failing to stop for police.

Greater Manchester Police said the car ran through red lights and hit speeds of 110mph before the chase ended in a dramatic crash near to The Plough pub on Hyde Road, Gorton.

It's believed the car crashed into an unmarked GMP car heading in the opposite direction. The officer involved suffered serious injuries to his arms and legs.

A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving with excess alcohol, drug driving and taking a vehicle without consent.

In an update issued today (Thursday), GMP confirmed he has since been bailed pending further enquiries.

The car was said to have hit the front of The Plough at around 3.55am, when neighbours heard a loud bang.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said two men were taken to hospital following the incident.

Shopkeeper Ba Chan, 64, said: "I just heard a big bang. I looked out and all saw the police and the road was blocked off. I asked what had happened, and they just said it was an accident.

"One of the cars was touching the front of the pub. They've taken it away now."

A man who lives nearby said: "The first thing I saw was all the white tape from the cordon. I hope the police officer is okay, and their injuries aren't too bad. The black car was planted in the front of the pub.

"I saw it being towed away, and its wheels were all bent and its front was really badly smashed up. It must have hit it with some force."

In a statement following the crash, Chief Inspector Michael Parker, of GMP's Roads Policing Unit, said: "Our drivers are highly qualified and undertake regular and rigorous training.

"However, this incident shows the dangers they face each and every day to keep our roads safe.

"We constantly patrol the road network to catch those who are intent on breaking the law, whether that be dangerous driving, driving under the influence or having no insurance."

Anyone who saw the incident or has dashcam or doorbell footage is asked to call police on 101, quoting incident number 292 of April 22, 2025.

Details can also be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.