Woman hit by her own car while trying to stop it being stolen

A woman was struck with her own car while trying to stop a man stealing it yesterday (Wednesday 7 August). She has not been seriously injured.

Police are appealing for information about the incident in which a man entered a doctor’s surgery on Clough Street, Middleton at around 1.30pm and stole a handbag containing car keys, bank cards and money.

The man used the car keys to steal a red Dacia Sandero from outside the surgery.

The car’s owner ran outside to try and stop the man, who then collided with her, temporarily trapping her between two vehicles.

The car then collided with two other parked vehicles before the suspect got out of the car and ran off towards Middleton town centre.

He’s described as a man in his late 20s, around 5ft 8ins tall and of stocky build.

He was wearing a black baseball cap, black jacket with gold lines down the arms, black tracksuit pants and black trainers.

The woman, aged in her 20s, was taken to hospital with pelvic injuries that are not believed to be life threatening. She was discharged following treatment.

Detective Inspector Karl Ward of GMP’s Rochdale District said: “This was a shocking incident that occurred in broad daylight outside a busy doctor’s surgery.

“Thankfully, the woman is recovering well - but it’s only by good fortune that her injuries were not more severe.

“We believe there may be serval potential witnesses to this crime.

“Were you in the area at the time of the incident? Perhaps you saw the car shortly after the incident or have dashcam footage that may assist our enquiries.

“If you have any details that can assist us, please get in touch as soon as possible.”

Information can be left with police on 0161 856 8420 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.