Bury: Victoria Wood statue knocked over in town centre

The statue, in Church Gardens near Silver Street, was struck by a car at around 10pm, knocking it to the ground.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said its officers were called to the incident shortly after 10pm. 

No arrests have been made but the driver of the vehicle was taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be serious or life-changing.

The statue is currently cordoned off.

The Victoria Wood statue has been knocked over (Image: Newsquest)

The statue, depicting the Prestwich-born actress and comedian, was unveiled in May 2019 and was created by sculptor Graham Ibbeson. 

The comedian died with cancer in 2016 aged 62.

The memorial was put in place in the town following an initiative which included members of Victoria's family, members of her literary estate and the council. 

Dramatic photos show a car toppling the Victoria Wood statue (Image: Public)

READ MORE: Bury: New information board to honour Victoria Wood

The statue depicts Victoria performing one of her stand-up comedy shows, holding a microphone and wearing her trade-mark long jacket. 

Victoria Wood began her career in the 1970s after appearing on television talent show, New Faces. 

The vehicle has been removed following the crash overnight (Image: Public)

She is best known for starring in roles in sitcoms including Dinnerladies and Acorn Antiques as well as her sketch show, Victoria Wood, As Seen on TV. 

In May last year, a new plaque was unveiled at the statue which outlines her life and work.

It features several colour photographs of the multi-talented star including one with one of the several Baftas she won for her performing, writing and acting.

A spokesman for Bury Council said: “Victoria Wood was a national treasure, and we are proud to call her one of our own.

“(The statue) has been a source of great pleasure to many visitors to Bury, and it’s a huge disappointment that this incident has happened.

“We are currently making arrangements for the statue to be removed and kept in a safe place while we assess the extent of the damage to it. We will be in close contact with Victoria’s family in deciding what to do next.”