Residents of Westhoughton were left shocked last night after a major crash which damaged two cars and a motorbike.

Greater Manchester Police said the crash, which occurred at about 6pm on Wednesday, October 3, happened after police pursued a motorbike rider who had failed to stop for officers on the M60 motorway.

A man, aged 24, has now been arrested and charged with dangerous driving.

Officers say they made contact with the rider on Church Street, Westhoughton.

Residents reported seeing a police helicopter in the air as the chase took place.

GMP says the pursuit was ‘safely brought to an end’.

Local councillor David Wilkinson says it is ‘extremely fortunate’ that the outcome was not more serious.

Sign up to our newsletters to get the latest stories sent straight to your inbox.

Speaking to The Bolton News, Cllr Wilkinson said: “We could have had a fatality, quite easily I think, given the location he was driving around.”

He added: “Obviously there are some comments saying ‘did he need to be chased’, ‘would he have slowed down’, I don’t know.

“All I can say is I’m just very grateful that nobody else was injured, it appears there are none.”

Follow The Bolton News on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and TikTok.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “Shortly before 6pm yesterday evening (Thursday 3 October), a motorbike was briefly pursued by police and was involved in a collision after it failed to stop for officers on the M60.

“Tactical contact was made with the motorbike and the pursuit was safely brought to an end on Church Street, Westhoughton.

“The vehicle and police car collided with a member of the public’s car which caused minor damage.

“No injuries were reported to us.

“Officers made an arrest at the scene and have secured a charge in relation to this incident.

“Tyler Folds (1/3/2000) from Westhoughton has been charged with dangerous driving, failing to stop, driving without valid insurance and driving other than in accordance with a licence.”

If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of Bolton. Please get in touch at jack.fifield@newsquest.co.uk.