Police officers win cross country pursuit as they chase suspected burglar across Saddleworth moors

Two men have been arrested after a dramatic cross-border police chase in Oldham.

Officers were made aware of a burglary on Monday night at a home in Blackley, North Manchester, where three vehicles were reported to have been stolen.

Yesterday (Tuesday), GMP’s Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit (TVIU) were on duty and used ANPR to successfully identify a black BMW 1 series which they suspected to have been stolen the previous night.

In just 12 hours, the car had been fitted with false plates and was back on the roads, with GMP's systems showing it being active between Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire.

GMP’s TVIU officers lay in wait and prepared to snare the vehicle as it travelled past them on Ripponden Road near the border of Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire.

Officers engaged in a short chase reaching speeds of 100mph, as the occupants attempted to evade capture.

Utilising specialist tactics, a Stinger was deployed, which successfully deflated all four tyres.

The two occupants, knowing they were losing the battle, abandoned the car and attempted to make off on foot across the moors.

They were quickly arrested by officers who successfully chased them down.

Two men aged 22 and 19 have been arrested on suspicion of burglary, dangerous driving, possession of controlled drugs failing to stop for police.

A large quantity of cash and drugs were recovered from within the vehicle.

Both occupants are believed to be prolific burglars who have been wanted by police for a spate of burglaries across Greater Manchester.

Sergeant Paul Lockett, of GMP’s TVIU, said: “Our unit patrol the roads of Greater Manchester in marked and unmarked cars day and night, working with other teams across GMP to target those suspected of being involved in a wide range of crime with particular focus on burglary, robbery and vehicle crime.

“Across Greater Manchester, and beyond, officers proactively seek criminals and also act on intelligence from members of the public to drive down crime.

“We remain committed to doing everything in our power to crackdown on those who bring misery to our communities, helping to make Greater Manchester hostile for those committing crime on our roads.”

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