Victim stable as hunt for carjacker goes on

Dorothy Cooper

POLICE are appealing for the public’s help after a carjacker mowed down a 76-year-old woman in Royton.

The Chronicle reported yesterday how Dorothy Cooper was run down in a car park off Sandy Lane on Wednesday at 1.50pm.

She is in a stable condition in hospital but suffered double spinal fractures and pelvic injuries.

Detective Inspector Ian Harratt said: “This is one of the worst incidents I have had to investigate in a very long time.

“We are appealing for anyone who may have seen the incident or the car in the Royton and Rochdale areas or may know the man responsible to come and talk to police.”

The thief alerted Dorothy to a non-existent fault with her white Hyundai i10 before stealing it as she got out to check ­— hitting her with the car and then driving over her as he sped off. The car was recovered in Buersil Avenue near the Turf Hill area of Rochdale.

Police have arrested a 45-year-old man on suspicion of a section 18 assault, but the investigation is still in its very early stage.

Mrs Cooper’s grandson Matthew Cooper and his wife Aimee said in a statement: “We would like to thank the police, the public and family and friends for all of their help and support.

“In particular we would like to thank the people who helped my grandma when this first happened.

“One lady gave her a blanket and calmed her down and made sure all of her belongings were with her when she got in the ambulance - your help means so much.

“My grandma is a very strong lady. She has gone through a very difficult couple of years, losing her son and her husband and just when she was back on her feet, someone has quite literally knocked her down.

You can call police on 0161-856 8906 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555 111.