Off-duty policeman helps trace Northumberland crime suspects while walking his dog

Tenacious policing by on and off-duty officers resulted in the arrest of two suspects following a car chase.

By Gavin Ledwith

Published 10th Sep 2020, 13:08 BST

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Investigations started shortly before 4am on Monday, September 7, after reports of a robbery in the Ashington area where a driver had been attacked and his car stolen.

Officers, as part of the newly-launched Operation Momentum, were tasked to locate the vehicle with an off-duty motor patrols officer eventually spotting it a day later.

He was walking his dog when he noticed the stolen vehicle travelling at high speed through the town and dutifully informed his colleagues.

The incident partly took place in First Avenue, Ashington, Northumberland.

The incident partly took place in First Avenue, Ashington, Northumberland.

They were then deployed to the area where a pursuit ensued before the occupants abandoned the vehicle on First Avenue and fled on foot.

The suspected driver was quickly detained after being found cowering under a gate in a near-by garden.

A second man was then arrested after inquiries led officers to a locked flat nearby.

Chief Inspector Sam Rennison, of the force’s operations department, said: “This is an excellent example of persistent and tenacious policing by all those involved.

Chief Inspector Sam Rennison, of Northumbria Police, has praised officers for their actions.

Chief Inspector Sam Rennison, of Northumbria Police, has praised officers for their actions.

"In particular I cannot praise our off duty officer enough, who is as loyal to the job off the clock as he is on.

“Meanwhile, our motor patrols and dog section officers did not disappoint.

"Following one arrest, they did their research and tirelessly searched for the second suspect. They left no stone unturned until he was arrested.

“This really was policing at its finest.”

A 39-year-old man has been charged with dangerous driving while a 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of robbery and released on bail.

Read more: Man wanted in connection with drug offences taunts police on Facebook

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