Three arrested after dramatic air pursuit
ASUSPECTED team of burglars were taken out on Easter Monday after a high speed chase during which a police helicopter was scrambled.
The drama began after GMP’S elite Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit identified a cloned vehicle using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) at around 11.30am.
After being covertly followed on a busy stretch of road, the vehicle continued to be driven at high speeds, failing to stop.
The National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter was then used to track the grey Ford Fiesta through Middleton.
As the helicopter pursued the vehicle above residential streets, the car crashed into a pedestrian island on Hollins Lane.
With officers in the immediate area supported by district colleagues and the wider Specialist Operations branch, three suspects were detained close by on suspicion of burglary.
The pursuit was caught on film, with the moment one suspect was arrested on a residential street as an officer screamed ‘down on the floor’ caught on bodycam.
Police searched the vehicle and found a baseball bat and hammer, as well as wiring which is believed to be linked to starting motorbikes.
A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of going equipped to steal and possession of an offensive weapon. He has since been bailed.
A 19-year-old man was also bailed on suspicion of possessing a controlled drug and an offensive weapon, along with a 17-year-old girl who has been bailed for possessing an offensive weapon.
PC Oliver Rose, of GMP’S TVIU, said: “Our co-ordinated, quick, and tactical response meant we have secured another good result.
“Thankfully, their actions, especially the drivers in broad daylight didn’t result in any serious injuries to members of the public but our ongoing commitment and determination to catch potential offenders in the act is a priority.
“With the resources available to us were able to track and trace a vehicle safely that we believe has been linked to a previous burglary.”
Anyone with information that may help with ongoing enquiries is asked to call 101 quoting incident 1148 of 01/02/2024.
Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.