Six arrested as newborn baby dies and mother critically ill following hit-and-run in Bamber Bridge

A newborn baby has died and a mother is critically ill in hospital left an "appalling" incident of hit-and-run.

Lancashire Police said a pregnant woman, aged in her 30s, was walking along a pedestrian crossing on Station Road in Bamber Bridge on Sunday, 29 September, when she was struck by a car.

She was admitted to hospital where her son was delivered but died a short time later. The mother remains in hospital in a critical condition.

Six people have now been arrested in relation to the hit-and-run, and police are still trying to find the vehicle which did not stop at the scene.

The car is believed to be a dark-grey Toyota Prius with the registration FY62 MXC.

The force said a 17-year-old girl from Lostock Hall; a 19-year-old man from Bolton; and a 40-year-old man from Blackburn; have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and attempting to pervert the course of justice. The trio remain in custody.

Two teenage boys, aged 15 and 17; and a 53-year-old man have also been arrested in connection with the incident and have been bailed pending inquiries.

Detective Chief Inspector Jill Riley urged anyone with information or CCTV footage to come forward.

“This is an absolutely appalling incident which has resulted in the death of a little baby and has left his mother very poorly in hospital and my thoughts are with their loved ones,” she said.

“Our investigation is making good progress, but I would still like to hear from anyone who may have footage or information which could help us piece together the events which led to this tragic collision and what happened afterwards."

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