Firearm recovered after 25-year-old-man arrested and taken to Fairfield Hospital

At 11am on Tuesday 11 October 2022, a 25-year-old man was seen driving dangerously on Tweedale Street in Rochdale. He failed to stop for police and was pursued by officers.

The suspect collided with another car and was detained by officers at the scene. Officers searched the suspects’ car and discovered what are thought to be suspected illegal drugs.

He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, fail to stop after a road traffic collision and possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply. 

The suspect - who had been injured during the collision - was then taken to Fairfield Hospital in Bury to receive a medical assessment before a concealed firearm was safely recovered without any further incident or risk to the public.

A scene was put in place in part of the hospital and GMP Crime Scene Investigators attended to conduct some additional enquiries.

The suspect remains in police custody having received treatment for serious but non-life-threatening injuries, which are thought to have been inflicted during the collision.

Armed officers have stayed with the suspect throughout, overseeing his detainment.

Superintendent Richard Warden of GMP Rochdale Division said: “We understand this incident will have caused concern for many at the hospital and in the wider community. We have been working with hospital staff to minimise disruption and ensure that there was no risk to the wider public.

“The suspect was detained throughout, and a scene was put in place, which brought the incident to a swift conclusion. This was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing disruption at Fairfield Hospital. The 25-year-old man remains in custody as our enquiries continue.”