Investigation continues after machete raid arrest

A 22-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and aggravated vehicle taking after the incident in Leigh town centre.

At around 4.15pm on Friday, May 12, a 35-year-old woman was in her white Mitsubishi Lancer on Bradshawgate, at the junction of King Street, when a man drove into the back of her car.

The man, who was driving a dark grey Volvo estate, pulled alongside her and signalled for her to follow him.

Believing they were going to a safe place to swap details, the woman followed him along King Street, to St Helens Road and then Etherstone Street.

But when she got out of her car, she was met by a man carrying a machete and wearing a balaclava.

He punched and kicked her to the ground, before taking her keys and getting into her car with another man, a passenger from the Volvo.

The men drove along St Helens Road before crashing the vehicle on Newton Road in Lowton.

Both men fled, going towards a housing estate and onto Moss Industrial Estate.

The woman suffered cuts to her head, bruised knees and elbows and swelling to her face.

Police enquiries have revealed that the Volvo, which was abandoned on Etherstone Street, had been stolen from Wigan on Monday, May 8.

The man who was arrested has been released under investigation.

Police are now continuing to appeal for witnesses to the incident and are particularly interested in speaking to a woman who witnessed the initial collision.

Det Con Andrew Partington, from Greater Manchster Police’s Wigan division, said: “The investigation is continuing and we have made one arrest.

“I am still keen to speak to the woman who spoke directly to the driver of the Volvo, as we believe you could help our investigation.

“Please come forward as you may have a vital piece of information.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 7225 or 101, quoting reference number 1590 of May 12.

Alternatively, call independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.