House raided after reports of fake cops stopping cars
TWO men Runcorn men have been released under investigation after being arrested as part of a probe into reports of suspects impersonating the police.
Cheshire Constabulary received reports that a white Skoda Fabia has been travelling around Orford in Warrington repeatedly pulling over vehicles at around 7pm on Saturday evening.
It is alleged the Skoda had fake flashing blue lights.
Two men were reported to be in the car.
One was skinny with blond hair and the other had curly hair and stubble.
Police located the Skoda and arrested two men, both aged 25, from Warrington and Runcorn on suspicion of impersonating a police officer, drugs offences and for possessing criminal property.
A 24-year-old man from Runcorn was also arrested on suspicion of drugs offences.
All three have been released under investigation.
A drugs warrant was executed in Warrington in connection with the investigation.
A Cheshire police spokesman said: “We received a call tonight regarding a white Skoda Fabia in the Grasmere Avenue area being driven with blue flashing lights.
“This is not a genuine police car.
“If you find yourself in a situation where you are indicated to pull over by an unmarked police car and you feel unsure or uncomfortable, be sure to follow these tips.
“Stay inside your car, roll down the window and turn on the inside light.
“Unless you are certain it is the police, do not stop – call us on 101 if you can hands free.
“Drive steadily to the nearest public place eg a petrol station where they are open till late and CCTV cameras are in operation.
“If it is a genuine police officer, they will have no issue with this.
“If they are an imposter, they will not want to pursue you knowing there is CCTV in the location.
“Ask to see the police officer’s ID – call us on 101 if you are unsure if you think the person is a genuine officer or not.”
A spokesman added: “They (the suspects) had a chance to meet up with some genuine police officers in the Runcorn area and are now in a genuine custody suite, surrounded by genuine custody staff and in a genuine cell.
“They are genuinely under arrest for allegations of impersonating a police officer and drugs offences.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the force on 101, quoting incident number IML 604767, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.