Police issue update following death of baby after pregnant woman struck in hit-and-run crash
by Ashlie Blakey · Manchester Evening NewsA suspect who was arrested after a car struck a pregnant woman in a hit-and-run has been released on bail, police have confirmed.
The woman, aged in her 30s, was knocked down on Station Road, in the Bamber Bridge area, shortly before 8pm last Sunday (September 29). She was rushed to hospital from the scene and underwent emergency surgery to deliver her baby boy, but he tragically died in hospital.
Lancashire Police said the suspect behind the wheel of the car, a Toyota Prius, fled the scene. The car was later found at an address in Bolton.
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A teenage boy, aged 19, from Walton le Dale in Lancashire, was arrested last Wednesday night (October 2) on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. In an update issued today (October 7), a spokesperson for Lancashire Police said he has since been released on bail 'pending further enquiries'.
A 17-year-old girl from Lostock Hall, and a 40-year-old man from Blackburn who were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and attempting to pervert the course of justice have been released pending further enquiries. A 19-year-old man, from Bolton, who was arrested on suspicion of the same offences has also been bailed.
Two boys, aged 16 and 17 and a 53-year-old man, all from Bamber Bridge, earlier arrested in connection with the incident have been bailed while enquiries continue. Police are continuing to appeal for any witnesses, or anyone with information, to come forward.
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Fallows, of Lancashire Police's Major Investigation Team, said previously: "My thoughts first and foremost remain with those affected by this horrific incident which has resulted in the death of a little baby and has left his mother very poorly in hospital.
"We have made good progress in our investigation and I am grateful to all those who have come forward with information so far. I would continue to appeal to anyone who thinks they can help to get in touch."
Police can be contacted by calling 101 and quoting log 1163 of September 29. You can also email the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on SCIU@lancashire.police.uk Alternatively, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers.org.