OLDHAM town centre ground to a standstill in the morning rush hour today after a young woman was hit by a tram.

Emergency services were called to the Oldham Mumps Metrolink stop. The woman in her 20s was taken to hospital by air ambulance. It is understood her injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

At one point there were five ground ambulance, two police cars and three fire engines at the scene.

Greater Manchester Policed said on Twitter: “The police are currently dealing with an incident at Mumps. The metrolink services are effected in both directions and there may be some disruption to road traffic and bus services. Please share. Updates to follow.”

Several streets nearby including Prince’s Gate were closed to traffic.

First Bus said all services outbound using Mumps have been placed on a diversion out of Mumps via the bottom of Mumps and right onto Oldham Way right onto King Street and into Oldham Bus station due to Yorkshire Street and Union Street being closed.

By-standers including many commuters and Oldham Times readers took to social media to express their concern following the accident.

Here are a few samples of the comments which appeared on our Facebook page.

Samrina Qamar: People are already speculating. The tram driver was NOT drunk - he was breathalysed!. I was there, the poor guy was tramatised, it happened so quick. She didn't see the tram coming stepped on to the tracks and within seconds she was under. I've just finished giving my statement to the officers and they confirmed her injuries are not life threatening but could be life changing for all those who are concerned!

Javed Saddique: Sad always on the back of my head waiting to hear of a tragedy. Never liked the idea of trams running alongside the public spaces without railings etc esp around kids.

Sarah Edwards: Hope she is ok.

Sharon Bennett: No matter how it happened, a young lady has suffered an horrific trauma and sadly others who saw the incident have suffered too.