Partner of man, 38, in critical condition after police car crashed into him speaks for first time

The partner of an innocent man who has been left seriously injured after being hit by a police vehicle has spoken for the first time. The 38-year-old dad, whose family have asked that he only be identified as Patryk, was struck by a police vehicle and suffered a catalogue of injuries. Patryk was walking home from a Christmas party when the incident happened in Rochdale.

A fully-liveried Greater Manchester Police[1] car had 'requested' a vehicle to stop on Milnrow[2] Road in Rochdale[3] at around 3.25am on Sunday November 19, the force said in a statement. The driver did not stop and a 'short pursuit' followed which continued onto Rochdale Road in the Firgrove area of the town, where the collision happened between the police car and Patryk. The driver of the car being pursued did not stop at the scene.

But GMP confirmed today they had made an arrest in connection with the incident.

Patryk has a four-year-old daugter, his family say. He was given medical assistance at the scene by police officers before being taken to Salford[6] Royal Hospital where his condition remains critical.

An appeal has been launched to raise money for Patryk and his family. You can donate here.[7] Speaking to the M.E.N., his partner, Sylwia, who is 30 on Saturday, said: "He is still not in a good condition. We tried to wake him up today and we had some response.

He opened his eyes he moved his arm and leg on one side. He has left shoulder blade fracture, right rib fracture, a spinal fracture, kidney injuries, elbow, left shin, and right thigh bone, and right ankle open fractures.

"The day before we had a family party for our daughter and after that he had a Christmas[8] party and he was just coming home from the party. But I have information that he was on the walkway and that it wasn't his fault.

I don't know exactly what has happened because I am still waiting to speak to the IOPC." Patryk works in a local warehouse as a forklift truck driver. He and Sylwia have been together for nine years. "He was not far from home when this happened," she said.

"The doctors say it is going to be a long journey for him and us as well, and it maybe two weeks before he wakes up properly. He will need physiotherapy and start to walk again. He has no head injuries.

But with the spine injury they don't know yet if he will need an operation - they are waiting to see if the bones heal by themselves."

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said in a statement: "Our investigation into the circumstances of a collision involving a Greater Manchester Police car and a pedestrian on Rochdale Road, on 19 November, is ongoing. Officers, who had been pursuing a vehicle at the time, provided medical assistance to the injured man, who remains in hospital. "We have obtained CCTV footage of the incident, which we are in the process of reviewing, alongside police radio transmissions, incident logs, and other evidence gathered so far.

Investigators will look at the actions and decision-making of police during the pursuit. We have been in contact with the man's partner to explain our role and will continue to provide updates as our investigation progresses."

A gofundme appeal has been launched for Patryk and his family. The organiser, Elizabeth Roberts, says in an online post: "We are reaching out to you during a challenging time for our valued colleague, Patryk K from the night shift.

Following a severe road traffic accident he is in hospital in a critical condition with life changing injuries. The road to recovery is going to be long and hard for Patryk and his family, and they require our collective support. "To assist Patryk and his family during this difficult time we have set up a GoFundMe page.

Every contribution no matter the size, will make a positive impact on his journey to recovery and support Patryk & his family during this time. All monies donated will go directly to Patryk and his family Thank you for your support, together we can make a positive difference. Stronger Together".

So far just under GBP4,200 has been raised. Those wanting to help can donate here.[9]

In a statement, GMP said: "The driver of the car that failed to stop was arrested and he is currently on bail.

The casualty remains in a stable but critical condition in hospital and IOPC are conducting their own independent investigation into police contact side."

References

1. ^ Greater Manchester Police (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
2. ^ Milnrow (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
3. ^ Rochdale (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
4. ^ Former United star convicted after using dead person's blue badge in Manchester (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
5. ^ Lawrence Jones' brave victims final act that helped send him down for 15 years (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
6. ^ Salford (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
7. ^ You can donate here. (www.gofundme.com)
8. ^ Christmas (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
9. ^ Those wanting to help can donate here. (www.gofundme.com)