A woman has died following a crash involving a police car in Royton.

A GMP statement reads: “At around 10am today (Friday 23 December 2022), police officers pursued a suspected stolen vehicle and engaged in short pursuit as a result.

“A short time later a road traffic collision occurred involving a police vehicle and a woman, aged 53, was taken to hospital for treatment to serious injuries, but sadly died a short time later despite the best attempts of emergency service personnel.”

Chris Bowen, chief superintendent of GMP’s Oldham district said: “Our sincere thoughts and condolences go to the family and friends of the woman that has sadly passed.

“We understand that the public are concerned by incidents of this nature.

“In-line with normal procedure, referrals have been made to GMP’s Professional Standards Branch and the Independent Office for Police Conduct. 

“Investigations like this often result in road closures which can cause significant disruption and we thank the local community and road users for their patience.”

The incident led to North West Air Ambulance attending this morning.

Before noon, the service said: “We can confirm that the North West Air Ambulance Charity was called to an incident in Oldham on the 23rd of December, and H72 responded. We have no further information at this time.”

Greater Manchester Police has asked anyone with information or dashcam footage to contact the service quoting incident log 969 of 23/12/2022.

Information can be reported online or by using the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk. If you can't report online, call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.