Key Points
- Driver crashed car into takeaway in Chorley.
- Incident happened in early hours of Saturday.
- Driver fled scene before police arrived.
- Takeaway premises suffered significant structural damage.
- Police launched urgent search for fleeing motorist.
Bolton (Bolton Today) – February 9, 2026 – A driver fled the scene after a car crashed into a takeaway in Chorley town centre in the early hours of Saturday morning, leaving the property badly damaged and triggering an urgent police investigation. As reported by Sarah Thompson of Bolton Today, officers were called shortly after 3:15 a.m. to reports of a vehicle smashing into the front of a takeaway on Market Street, Chorley, with witnesses describing the sound of “a huge bang” followed by the driver speeding away.
Thompson added that the car, believed to be a dark‑coloured hatchback, struck the building at speed, shattering glass, denting the metal façade, and partially collapsing part of the shopfront.
“It sounded like an explosion,” said one resident who spoke to Thompson on condition of anonymity.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that no members of the public were inside the takeaway at the time and that there were no reports of serious injuries, though the business owner and staff were left shaken.
A spokesperson told Thompson: “We are treating this as a serious road‑traffic incident and are appealing for anyone who may have seen the vehicle or dash‑cam footage to come forward.”
What happened in Chorley town centre?
The incident unfolded in the heart of Chorley’s town centre, an area known for its mix of independent shops, fast‑food outlets, and late‑night takeaway trade. As reported by David Patel of The Bolton News, the takeaway involved is a popular local kebab shop that usually remains open until the early hours to serve night‑time customers. Patel wrote that the crash occurred just after 3:10 a.m., when the street was largely empty except for a few pedestrians and late‑night revellers.
Another passer‑by, who asked not to be named, told Patel that the driver did not attempt to stop or check for injuries before reversing and driving away at speed, leaving debris scattered across the pavement.
Police cordoned off the area shortly after arriving, closing off part of Market Street while officers examined the scene and spoke to witnesses. Patel noted that officers were seen measuring skid marks and photographing the damage to both the vehicle and the building.
How badly was the takeaway damaged?
The takeaway premises sustained substantial structural damage, raising concerns about safety and the future of the business. As reported by Emma Carter of Lancashire Evening Post, the front of the shop was left “buckled and broken,” with shattered glass, twisted metal framing, and a partially collapsed awning. Carter described the scene as “chaotic,” with debris, broken tiles, and insulation material strewn across the pavement.
Carter also noted that the kitchen area appeared intact, but the damage to the frontage and customer area could mean weeks or even months of repairs.
The driver’s decision to flee has become a central focus of the investigation. As reported by Mark Ellis of Manchester Evening News, police are treating the incident as a “hit‑and‑run” and are examining whether the driver was under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or otherwise impaired. Ellis wrote that officers were conducting door‑to‑door inquiries and reviewing CCTV footage from nearby shops, traffic cameras, and private properties.
“We are looking at all possibilities, including whether the driver was uninsured or unlicensed,” Ellis quoted a senior officer as saying.
Ellis also noted that several witnesses reported seeing the car driving erratically in the minutes before the crash, weaving across lanes and appearing to struggle to maintain control.
Police have appealed for dash‑cam footage from any drivers who may have been on Market Street or nearby roads around the time of the incident.
What are the police doing to find the driver?
Greater Manchester Police have launched a multi‑pronged investigation to trace the driver. As reported by Lisa Grant of BBC North West, officers are using automatic number‑plate recognition (ANPR) data, CCTV footage, and witness statements to piece together the vehicle’s movements before and after the crash. Grant wrote that the force has set up a dedicated incident room and is working with local councils and private security firms to access additional camera feeds.
Grant also noted that police have issued an appeal for information, urging anyone who may have seen the car in the area between 2:30 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. to come forward.
In addition, Grant reported that officers are checking local garages, car‑repair shops, and car‑wash facilities for any signs of damage matching the vehicle involved.
What are residents and business owners saying?
The crash has sparked concern among local residents and business owners, many of whom fear for safety in the town centre. As reported by Tom Hughes of Chorley Guardian, several shopkeepers described the incident as “terrifying” and called for increased police patrols and better traffic management in the area. Hughes wrote that some business owners have been discussing the possibility of installing additional security cameras and improving lighting around their premises.
Bennett told Hughes that she now feels “nervous” about staying open late and is considering changing her opening hours.
Hughes also noted that residents have expressed frustration at what they see as a lack of enforcement of speed limits and traffic rules in the town centre.
What are the legal implications for the driver?
The investigation is ongoing, with police continuing to gather evidence and follow up on leads. As reported by Lisa Grant of BBC North West, officers are reviewing CCTV footage, speaking to witnesses, and checking for any damage to other vehicles or properties that may be linked to the incident. Grant wrote that the force is also working with local authorities to ensure the area is safe for pedestrians and motorists.
“We’re not ruling anything out at this stage,” Grant quoted a detective inspector as saying. “We’re following every lead and will continue to do so until we have answers.”
Grant also noted that police are urging anyone with information to contact them, either by phone or online.
“If you have any information, no matter how small, please get in touch,” she wrote, quoting the force. “Your information could help us solve this case.”