A city centre street has been taped off by police after a car crashed into a statue which landed on a passer-by.
Emergency services were called to George Leigh Street in Ancoats just after 2pm on Wednesday.
Witnesses say a Vauxhall Vectra collided with a black Volkswagen 4x4 at the junction with Sherratt Street - close to former church and now Hallé orchestra venue St Michael's.
The 4x4 then reportedly hit a statue - known as the Serafino’s Stone - knocking it off its concrete plinth and onto a man who had been reading the inscription on its plaque.
People nearby rushed to help him and managed to lift the heavy memorial stone off him before the ambulance arrived.
The man, who is in his 60s, was taken to hospital - the seriousness of his injuries are not yet known.
A cordon remained in place at the scene on Wednesday night.
Officers could be seen taking photographs and carrying out enquires at the scene as shocked locals looked on.
Paula Pearson, 63, was coming from back from an afternoon shopping just after 3pm when she witnessed the smash.
She said she heard a loud bang as the Vauxhall collided with a Volkswagen 4x4 which she said was turning into the street.
"At first I heard an almighty bang and then a really loud scream from the man whose legs were being crushed by the stone.
"I’ve never heard anything like it, it was awful.
"Apparently he was reading the plaque on it. We get a lot of visitors round here because of the history.
"Three lads ran to him and they managed to get the stone off him before the ambulance came.
"The fire brigade were here first then paramedics and police. They cordoned it off straight away.
"The guy walked out of the 4x4 he was very lucky.
"I just hope the poor man is okay.
"Something like this has been coming as we’ve got a big issue with people using this as a cut through."
A spokesman for GMP confirmed a man had been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
They said: "We were called to reports of a collision involving two vehicles and a piece of street furniture which fell on a pedestrian, who has been taken to hospital.
"A man has been arrested on suspicion of driving whilst under the influence. He is also receiving treatment in hospital.
"Enquiries are ongoing."
The North West Ambulance Service added: "We were called at 2.03pm to a collision involving two cars and a pedestrian on George Leigh Street in Ancoats.
"We treated a male in his 60s for injuries to his foot. He was taken to hospital."
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