Man arrested in connection with shooting after police pursuit through Rochdale

A man wanted in connection with a shooting in Bolton has been arrested following a pursuit through Rochdale.

Shortly after 12.20pm on Friday (24 August) officers were alerted to a silver Seat Leon travelling on the M62 in Rochdale thought to be driven by a wanted man.

Specially trained drivers from GMP’s Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit were deployed to locate and stop the vehicle.

The driver failed to stop for officers and a brief pursuit took place on the A666 St Peter’s Way in Kearsley. A stinger was used and the car came to a stop. No cars were damaged and no one was injured.

The driver fled from the car and officers chased him on foot before releasing police dog Manpol Jax who apprehended the man in open land near to Farnworth cemetery.

A 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder. He remains in custody being questioned by officers.

The arrest follows an incident on 20 May 2018 where a man was shot in Bolton Town Centre. He was taken to hospital where he had surgery and has recovered from his injury.

Sergeant Danny Kabal, from GMP’s Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit, said: “Thanks to the quick-thinking actions of officers from TVIU we were able to safely arrest a man.

“My officers were assisted by their colleagues from the Specialist Operations branch and a police helicopter. This was a great example of how we work together as a team to keep the public safe and we can’t forget police dog Manpol Jax who was instrumental in swiftly apprehending the man.

“Traffic was brought to a standstill while we dealt with this incident and I would like to thank the public for their patience during this.”