Key points
- Car smashes through barber shop in Horwich
- Barber left heartbroken after front of shop destroyed
- Driver uninjured but shop front severely damaged
- Emergency services attend Horwich crash scene quickly
- Police investigate cause of Horwich vehicle collision
Horwich (Bolton Today) February 7, 2026 – A local barber in Horwich is left heartbroken after a car smashed through the front of his shop in a dramatic early‑morning incident that has left the premises badly damaged and the community in shock. As reported by Horwich Today, the collision occurred at the barber’s shop on Market Street just after 3.15 a.m., when a silver saloon car veered off the road and ploughed into the shopfront, shattering glass and bending metal framing.
“It’s devastating,” said the barber, who asked not to be named, “I’ve worked so hard to build this business and now it’s been destroyed in seconds.”
What happened in the Horwich crash?
The incident unfolded on Market Street, a busy thoroughfare in the centre of Horwich, shortly after 3.15 a.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026. According to a statement released by Greater Manchester Police, officers were called to reports of a vehicle collision involving a car and a commercial premises at around 3.17 a.m. Police confirmed that the driver of the silver saloon car was uninjured but appeared “shaken” and was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken into custody for questioning.
Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud crash followed by the sound of breaking glass. One local resident, who lives above a nearby shop, told Horwich Today that she woke to the noise and looked out to see the car embedded in the front of the barber shop.
How badly was the barber shop damaged?
The impact of the collision left the front of the barber shop severely damaged. As reported by Bolton News, the car’s front end was lodged inside the shop, with the windscreen shattered and the bumper twisted against the interior fixtures. Large sections of the shopfront glass were completely gone, and metal framing was bent inward, leaving the interior exposed to the elements.
Inside, several barber chairs were pushed aside by the force of the crash, and mirrors and shelving units were knocked over or broken.
“Everything was thrown around,” said the barber.
What did the police say about the incident?
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that the driver of the car was arrested at the scene on suspicion of dangerous driving and failing to stop after a collision. Officers cordoned off the area around Market Street while forensic teams examined the scene and recovery crews prepared to remove the vehicle. A police spokesperson told Horwich Today that initial checks suggested the driver had not been under the influence of alcohol or drugs, but that further tests would be carried out.
How has the community reacted to the crash?
The crash has sparked concern among residents and business owners in Horwich, many of whom have expressed sympathy for the barber and his staff. As reported by Horwich Today, several local traders gathered near the scene after the incident to offer support and discuss safety on Market Street. One shop owner, who runs a café next door to the barber shop, told the paper that the incident had shaken the community.
Social media has also been flooded with messages of support for the barber. A local Facebook group for Horwich residents saw dozens of posts offering condolences and practical help. Another resident started an online fundraiser to help cover the cost of repairs and lost income, which had raised several thousand pounds by mid‑morning on Saturday.
What are the implications for the barber’s business?
The collision has left the barber facing an uncertain future for his business. As reported by Bolton News, the shop had been operating for over five years and had built up a loyal customer base in Horwich. The barber said that many of his regular clients were long‑standing customers who had supported him since he first opened.
He added that he was worried about the financial impact of the crash, particularly if the shop remained closed for an extended period.
The incident has reignited concerns about road safety on Market Street, particularly during the early hours of the morning. As reported by Horwich Today, some residents have called for speed limits to be reduced or for additional traffic calming measures to be introduced. One local councillor told the paper that the crash highlighted the need for a review of traffic management in the town centre.
Others have suggested that better lighting or more visible signage could help prevent similar incidents in the future.
What happens next in the investigation?
Greater Manchester Police said they would continue to investigate the cause of the crash over the coming days. Officers are expected to interview the driver, review CCTV footage from nearby businesses, and examine the vehicle for any mechanical faults. A police spokesperson told Horwich Today that the investigation could take several weeks to complete, depending on the complexity of the case.
The emotional toll of the crash has been significant for the barber, who described the experience as “traumatic.” As reported by Bolton News, he said he had been in the shop earlier in the evening and had left just minutes before the collision occurred.
He added that he had been struggling to sleep since the incident and was relying on support from friends and family.
In the wake of the crash, the community has rallied around the barber to offer support. As reported by Horwich Today, several local businesses have pledged to help with repairs or provide temporary space for the barber to operate while his shop is being restored. One nearby salon offered to let him use their chairs on a pro‑bono basis, while another offered to host a fundraising event. The online fundraiser started by a resident has also gained momentum, with donations coming in from across the region.