Member of public's quick thinking helps officer catch suspect in police pursuit

Police say their 'quick thinking in offering up their bike without hesitation' helped them detain a man following the chase in Rotherham

Author: Oliver MorganPublished 14th Apr 2024

Police say they want to personally thank a member of the public who gave up their bike to assist a pursuit of a suspect earlier this week.

The suspect made off on foot after crashing a white Range Rover Evoque which was spotted driving at speeds of 80 miles an hour in 30 zones back on Wednesday (April 10) in Rotherham.

A 25-year-old arrested on suspicion of theft of a mirror vehicle has since been released on bail.

During the police chase, the officer was running after the suspect when a member of the public decided to offer their bike to the officer before saying "go get 'em!"

He was then later arrested in a garden - and the bike which the officer was given has since been returned to its owner.

Officers are now appealing for help to locate the person who gave their bike to the officer.

Cherie Buttle, Chief Superintendent for our Operational Support Unit, said: "I would really like to personally thank the member of the public who gave up their bike to assist our officer in his pursuit of a suspect.

"Our dedicated officers go to great lengths to tackle crimes and bring criminals to justice, but we couldn't do it without the support of our communities.

"This person's quick thinking in offering up their bike without hesitation helped us detain a man on suspicion of theft of a vehicle and their assistance in this pursuit really was invaluable."

If that is you - you are urged to contact the Force Control Room on 101, quoting incident number 805 of 10 April 2024 - or you can do it here.

A second suspect, believed to be the driver of the Range Rover Evoque remains outstanding and anyone with information is asked to report online or call 101, quoting incident number 805 of 10 April 2024.

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Hits Radio app.