Key Points
- Head-on collision on Wigan Road, Bolton, 11 January 2026, at 12:45 GMT between red Seat Leon and Citroen C4 Picasso taxi, killing four.
- Taxi driver Masrob Ali, 54 (Blackburn); Muhammad Danyaal Asghar Ali, 19; Farhan Patel, 18; Mohammed Jibrael Mukhtar, 18 (Bolton).
- Four detained in Bolton raids—woman (42, fraud), man (46, fraud), man (22, stolen goods), man (18, aggravated vehicle taking).
- Five passengers hospitalised; woman with life-threatening injuries now stable.
- Det Insp Andrew Page seeks witnesses, dashcam, CCTV;
- Warrants executed in Ladybridge and Bolton town centre on February 05,2026.
Bolton(Manchester Mirror) February 05, 2026 – Police executed search warrants in Ladybridge and Bolton town centre this morning, detaining a 42-year-old woman and a 46-year-old man on suspicion of fraud offences, a 22-year-old man for handling stolen goods, and an 18-year-old man for aggravated vehicle taking, according to Greater Manchester Police. All suspects remain in custody as the Serious Collision Investigation Unit continues its probe into the tragedy that killed taxi driver Masrob Ali, 54, from Blackburn, and three young men from Bolton—Muhammad Danyaal Asghar Ali, 19, Farhan Patel, 18, and Mohammed Jibrael Mukhtar, 18, who drove the Seat Leon. A woman with life-threatening injuries from the crash is now stable, police confirmed.
Who Were the Victims in the Bolton Crash?
The collision claimed the lives of Masrob Ali, the dedicated taxi driver remembered by his daughter as “the best soul” and a hardworking father, alongside Mohammed Jibrael Mukhtar, 18, Farhan Patel, 18 (noted as Farhantiy Patel in some reports), and Muhammad Danyaal Asghar Ali, 19 (variously Danya Asgh-Ali), all from Bolton except Ali from Blackburn. As reported in the original BBC coverage, the red Seat Leon driven by Mukhtar collided head-on with the Citroen C4 Picasso taxi. Five passengers from both vehicles received hospital treatment promptly after the incident
What Charges Do the Arrested Face?
A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson detailed that the 42-year-old woman and 46-year-old man face suspicion of fraud, the 22-year-old man handling stolen goods, and the 18-year-old aggravated vehicle taking, with arrests stemming from warrants in Ladybridge and town centre addresses. Detective Inspector Andrew Page of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit confirmed: “Our inquiry into this heartbreaking event is advancing and has resulted in four arrests from two warrants executed in Bolton this morning.” All four are held for questioning as prevention measures, including local PCSOs, reassure the community.
Where and How Did Police Make the Arrests?
Officers stormed addresses in Ladybridge and Bolton town centre early on February 5, executing multiple warrants amid the ongoing investigation into the Wigan Road crash. As per Greater Manchester Police updates cross-referenced in Mirror reporting, these proactive raids followed substantial community engagement. The force emphasised community reassurance with PCSOs on hand to field public inquiries.
Why Are Witnesses Still Needed?
Detective Inspector Andrew Page appealed directly: “We are still seeking any witnesses to step forward. Anyone who observed the vehicle prior to the crash, saw the incident unfold, or possesses dashcam or CCTV footage, is encouraged to share it with us.
What Support Exists for Crash Survivors?
A fundraiser supports the four injured taxi passengers with “immediate expenses not covered by insurance” and family financial relief, as noted in community responses covered by the Mirror. Masrob Ali’s daughter paid tribute: “He was incredibly kind and the best dad,” highlighting the personal toll. Police continue community prevention efforts in Bolton
