Boy, 12, hit by car during police pursuit in Bury

A 12-year-old cyclist is in hospital after he was hit by a car which was being pursued by police after a driver allegedly failed to pay for fuel.

Officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) attempted to stop a grey Ford Fiesta in Bury after it was seen driving erratically from a petrol station in Bury Road at 2.20pm.

Police pursued the vehicle after it failed to stop, and shortly after it collided with a 12-year-old cyclist on Stand Lane, Radcliffe.

The boy is in hospital in a stable condition, GMP said. The force did not give any further detail.

A 22-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop following a collision and making off without paying for fuel.

Chief Inspector Phil Spurgeon, of GMP’s Bury district, said: “We are extremely thankful that the boy’s condition is not believed to be life threatening and our thoughts are very much with him as he recovers with his family.

“This being said, this incident could’ve easily been much worse and I cannot stress enough the risks of dangerous driving.

“Whilst our enquiries are in their early stages, I would urge anyone who thinks they can assist us to please get in touch. Did you see the grey Ford Fiesta prior to the collision perhaps?”