Woman brought to safety after 48 hours on The Rock car park

The woman was safely assisted down via emergency services at around 10.45pm this evening (May 28), following a major multi-agency response which began 11pm on Tuesday night (May 26).

Witnesses at the scene described paramedics immediately attending to the woman after she was brought down, with what appeared to be a drip attached to her arm.

An ambulance was waiting nearby before she was taken away for treatment.

Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and North West Ambulance Service had remained at the scene throughout the incident, which prompted a large police cordon around Derby Way and significant disruption in the town centre.

Specialist police negotiators had spent days speaking with the woman, since around 11pm on Tuesday, May 26, after police received reports of a concern for welfare.

Earlier on Thursday evening, four specialist officers were seen speaking with the woman on the top level of the structure.

Witnesses also reported she had been given a police hi-vis jacket and additional bottom layers to wear during the prolonged incident.

Images from throughout the day showed large numbers of emergency service vehicles outside The Rock, including police cars, ambulances, fire engines and tactical aid units.

(Image: PHIL TAYLOR)

Fire crews had deployed specialist equipment during the response, including aerial ladder platforms from Bolton Central and Manchester Central fire stations, alongside a technical response unit from Leigh.

Earlier in the day, Superintendent Phil Spurgeon, from GMP’s Bury district, said officers were prioritising “the welfare of the woman and working towards a safe conclusion”.

He said: “Our officers have remained at the scene throughout the day and night with negotiators, GMFRS, NWAS and health professionals to work towards a safe conclusion.

“We are aware of concerns around the recent high temperatures and the length of time the woman has been up there; our priority is her welfare and bringing her to safety.

“We understand frustrations due to the disruption this incident has caused for nearby residents, workers and businesses, but our immediate priority is a safe conclusion.”

(Image: PHIL TAYLOR)

This incident marks the third welfare concern response at The Rock car park in just over a week.

Emergency services previously attended the location on May 18, when a woman was safely brought down after a 12-hour incident, and again on May 22, when crews spent more than 24 hours dealing with a further welfare concern.

The Bury Times has contacted Greater Manchester Police for further comment.