Three Teens Hospitalized After Stockport Hit-and-Run, Police Seek Witnesses

In a concerning incident that occurred on September 10, 2024, three teenage girls were severely injured in a hit-and-run crash in Stockport, a large town in Greater Manchester, England. The event took place in the suburb of Heaton Moor, an area known for its Victorian architecture and green spaces.

According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the teenagers were walking along Whitelow Road when a vehicle, believed to be a silver Volkswagen Golf, swerved onto the pavement at high speed, apparently to avoid an oncoming car. The incident occurred around 4:30 PM, leaving the young pedestrians with serious leg injuries that require surgical intervention.

Sergeant Paul Lunt of GMP's road policing unit stated, "The victims were just walking on the pavement when a car mounted the pavement and collided with them causing them serious injuries before driving off, leaving the girls injured by the road."

The police are actively seeking a silver VW Golf with a distinctive smashed windscreen, which was reportedly in the area between 4:15 PM and 4:45 PM on the day of the incident. This model of car, in production since 1974, is a popular choice among UK drivers.

Authorities are urging anyone with information or footage to come forward. This appeal extends to potential witnesses, as well as those who may have captured the incident on dashcams, CCTV, or Ring doorbell cameras. The extensive CCTV coverage in the UK, with an estimated 5.2 million cameras as of 2020, could prove crucial in this investigation.

Hit-and-run incidents are considered serious offenses in the UK, carrying penalties that include fines, license points, and imprisonment. This case highlights the ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety in the country, with 470 pedestrian fatalities reported in 2019.

The incident also underscores the importance of road safety initiatives, such as the UK government's "Think!" campaign, which aims to reduce accidents and promote responsible driving. It serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by pedestrians, particularly in residential areas like Whitelow Road.

As the investigation continues, the affected teenagers are receiving care through the UK's National Health Service (NHS), which provides free emergency medical treatment. Traffic collisions remain a leading cause of injury and death among teenagers in the UK, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to improve road safety.

Members of the public with relevant information are encouraged to contact the police on 101, quoting log number 2249 of 10/09/24, or use the Live Chat service on the GMP website. Alternatively, anonymous tips can be provided to Crimestoppers, an independent charity, by calling 0800 555 111.