The driver of a double decker bus that crashed into a bridge in Salford, ripping the roof off and injuring more than a dozen passengers in the process, has been arrested.
Greater Manchester Police‘s (GMP) Serious Collision Investigation Unit have launched an investigation into the serious road traffic collision between a bus and the Bridgewater Canal Aqueduct on Barton Lane in Salford, which happened at around 3pm yesterday (Monday 21 July), and are now appealing to the public for information and witnesses.
According to police, it is believed that the bus had come off its normal expected route and the driver then failed to comply with height restriction warnings, before subsequently colliding with a low-level aqueduct.
As a result, the top level of the bus was torn off and even caused member of the public to be ejected from the top deck of the bus.
Bridgewater Canal Aqueduct in Eccles, where the incident happened / Credit: Google Maps
The driver of the bus – a man in his 50s – was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by careless driving, GMP has been confirmed.
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The driver has since been bailed pending further investigations.
During the incident, three people – a 19-year-old female, and two men, one is his 20s and another in his 40s – sustained serious injuries, and currently remain in hospital in a stable condition, while 17 other casualties were also treated at the scene for injuries that are described as ‘non-life threatening or life-changing’.
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#APPEAL | Serious Collision Investigation Unit appeal for witnesses following RTC on Barton Lane in #Salford which has left 3 people seriously injured
The bus driver – a man in his 50s – was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by careless driving. pic.twitter.com/adppSAOS9S
With investigations ongoing, as mentioned, investigating officers are now appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.
They are also keen to speak to anyone who may have any footage – including dashcam, mobile phone or doorbell footage – from the area in the moments leading up to the collision.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4741, quoting log number 2226 of 21/07/2025, or being using the LiveChat function on the GMP website – www.gmp.police.uk.
You can also report via Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – Kiernan MB (via Unsplash)
Crime
Former GMP officer jailed after being found guilty of several online child sex offences
Emily Sergeant
A former police officer from Salford has been sentenced after being found guilty of a string of online child sex offences.
Following a trial back in July, 35-year-old Michael Aspinall was sentenced at Preston Crown Court earlier this week (Monday 14 September) after being found guilty of three counts of attempting sexual communication with a child.
It comes after Aspinall – who was employed by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) at the time of the offences – was arrested in October 2024 by detectives from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU), and was immediately suspended from duty following his arrest.
The investigation began after evidence was obtained that Aspinall had been communicating online with individuals that he believed to be children, but he was in fact communicating with a police officer.
Following this series of interactions, he was charged with various offences.
In addition to his eight-month sentence – which has been suspended for two years – Aspinall will also be placed on the sex offender’s register for 10 years, subject to a five-year serious crime prevention order, and have undertake 20 days of rehabilitation, GMP has confirmed.
He has additionally been added to the College of Policing’s barred list.
An application to request forfeiture of Aspinall’s police pension has also been made to the Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester.
“Aspinall’s offending was clearly unacceptable for any right-minded member of society and particularly inappropriate for a serving police officer,” commented Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Humphreys, from GMP’s Professional Standards Directorate.
“His actions put the whole police service under scrutiny, but thanks to the hard work and diligence of undercover officers, he was arrested, found guilty, and has now received his punishment.”
DCI Humphreys concluded: “[Aspinall’s] actions take away from the hard work of the men and women who work so hard for their communities every day, and it is only right that anyone committing these sort of offences are rooted out.”
Featured Image – GMP
Crime
Stockport man admits to drugging and raping his wife without her knowledge for more than 20 years
Emily Sergeant
A man in his 60s from Stockport has admitted drugging and raping his wife in a ‘horrific’ 20-year campaign of abuse.
According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the man – who cannot be identified in order to protect the life-long anonymity of the victim – previously admitted five counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, six counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sharing intimate photos or film.
And now, during an appearance at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday (14 September), he pleaded guilty to a further 45 charges.
This makes it 60 charges in total the man has now pleaded guilty to.
Some of the charges he pleaded guilty to yesterday include a further 16 counts of rape, nine counts of assault by penetration, seven counts of sexual assault, and four counts of attempted rape, amongst several others.
Speaking following the court appearance yesterday, GMP’s Assistant Chief Constable, Rick Jackson, said: “Our focus remains on supporting the victim of this horrific campaign of abuse through what is a very complex investigation.
“Specialist support continues to be provided to the victim at the centre of this case.
“If you are concerned you or someone you know may be affected by drug-facilitated sexual abuse, please know that you do not need proof, certainty, or a clear memory to be taken seriously.
“You are not expected to understand exactly what has happened or who was involved in order to be taken seriously. If you feel that something has happened, then please report it or ask for help.”
GMP reiterates that anyone who does choose to report sexual abuse does not need a full account or clear memory, can share as much or as little as they feel able, and will be supported by trained officers, as their ‘immediate’ safety and wellbeing will be the ‘priority’.
They may also speak to a support organisation first and decide later whether to involve police.
Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre – Services are available on a 24-hour basis, and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
Greater Manchester Rape Crisis – Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]
Emily Sergeant -
22nd July 2025 
