The family of an 87-year-old woman, who died after her car smashed into a fire station, have paid tribute to her.
Sheila Hart was seriously injured after her black Hyundai i10 crashed into Horwich Community Fire Station, near Bolton, on Friday.
She had been driving along Chorley New Road away from Horwich town centre when her car collided with carriageway bollards before careering into the wall of the fire station.
Mrs Hart, from Lostock, was taken to hospital where she died this morning.
In a statement released via police, her family have said they are mourning the loss of the 'much-loved' aunt, great aunt and sister-in-law.
They added: “As a family we would like to thank first responders, especially members of the public and the fire service team who gave valuable assistance and comfort in her hour of need.
“We would also like to thank the GMP family liaison team and the critical care team at Salford Royal Infirmary for their dedicated care and attention, also friends and neighbours for overwhelming support and kindness.
Read more of today's stories here
“Sheila was an active member of St John’s Methodist Church and as such enjoyed long-lasting fellowship and friendship.
"She was, and continues to be a much loved aunt, great aunt and sister-in-law who was devoted to her family and close friends, and will be dearly missed. She will be forever in our hearts and prayers. God bless.”
No one else was injured in the collision and enquiries are ongoing.
Officers are now looking to speak to anyone who may have spoken to Mrs Hart earlier in the day, or any motorists with dash-cam footage of the crash, which resulted in the road being closed.
Police Constable Neil Pennington, of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Our thoughts are with Mrs Hart’s family at this incredibly difficult time.
“We are appealing to anyone who may have seen or spoken to Mrs Hart last Friday, including local retail or business owners, to contact us.
“We are working to piece together the circumstances surrounding the collision and would appeal to any witnesses and anyone with dash-cam footage to please get in touch.”
Anyone with information should call GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 quoting incident number 1837 of 13/09/2019, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device. You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here. And you can follow us on Facebook here.
