Suspected thieves leap into canal
BUT PAIR FAIL TO ESCAPE POLICE AFTER DRAMATIC CHASE ENDS WITH FOUR ARRESTS
TWO suspected car thieves jumped into a freezing cold canal in a failed bid to shake off police.
The pair were among four men arrested after the dramatic pursuit of a suspected stolen car.
Officers from GMP’s elite Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit (TVIU) spotted a suspected cloned vehicle in Chadderton, Oldham, at 10.35am yesterday.
During a short pursuit, the car - a black Ford Eco Sport - collided with another vehicle on Foxdenton Lane.
The occupants of the Ford fled from the scene, but cops gave chase on foot for more than half a mile.
Police said two of the suspect attempted to escape by jumping into a canal.
Three men – all aged 18 – and a 17-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of aggravated taking of a conveyance without the owner’s consent, possession of offensive weapon, and handling stolen goods.
They have since been released pending further enquiries.
A man and woman – both in their 70s – from the third vehicle were taken to hospital as a precaution. The man remained there for treatment of serious but not life-threatening injuries.
Two machetes were recovered from the suspicious vehicle to be taken for further examination. Inspector Amy Robinson, of GMP’s Oldham division, said: “This was some thoroughly good police work which was a demonstration of officers using their initiative and showing great perseverance to arrest four men in connection to this job.
“The large knives recovered from the suspected stolen vehicle are a disturbing indicator of what may have later occurred had officers not intervened when they did. We wish a swift recovery to the two casualties from the collision who were innocently caught up in the incident thankfully their injuries were not more serious than they may have been.” Anyone with information in relation to this incident can call 0161 856 5798 quoting 849 of 28/12/2020.
The large knives recovered are a disturbing indicator of what may have later occurred
GMP