Twelve hurt in Bolton car crash

Car on its side following Bolton crash Credit: Rashaad Atcha

Police say a 12-year-old boy is fighting for his life after being involved in a road crash in Bolton.

Shortly after 11.30pm last night, they were called to St Helen’s Road, Daubhill, following reports of a collision.

Officers attended and established two cars, both Vauxhall Astra’s, had been driving at speed along St Helen’s Road, before both collided with another car, a BMW 320, that was pulling into the road.

The force of the collision caused one of the Astra's to leave the road, where it collided with two pedestrians; a 12-year-old boy and a 50-year-old man.

Both were taken to hospital for treatment to injuries. The boy remains in a critical condition and the man in a stable condition.

Nine other people from the three vehicles suffered minor injuries.

The driver of one of the Astra's, a 20-year-old man, remains in hospital where he is being treated for injuries, the other driver walked off while being treated by paramedics and efforts are ongoing to locate him.

Sergeant Danny Byrne from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “A number of people have been injured and in particular one young boy has been left seriously hurt.

“We have officers with his family and our thoughts are with them at what is obviously an extremely worrying time.

“The fact that they are waiting to hear whether their beloved 12-year-old boy will survive reflects that absolute appalling consequences of driving in such a reckless manner.

“The area was very busy with people leaving the mosque following evening prayers and we believe the two cars initially involved were speeding and most likely racing one another.

“If anyone saw the incident or the two cars beforehand and is yet to talk to us please get in touch.

“I also want to reassure all those that were present last night and the wider community that officers from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit will be conducting a thorough investigation into this incident.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 4741.