Hero helps 'lady in distress' and rugby tackles car jacker

Hero David Tully

David Tully foiled a car jacking this morning (Wednesday 29 January) after he rugby tackled a man attempting to take a van from Claire Jeffries, the Petrus Community Store Manager, on Hamer Lane.

The incident took place between 8:30am and 9:00am when David noticed Ms Jeffries fighting and wrestling with the man. The man had tried to steal the Ford Transit van, as Ms Jeffries was opening the car park barrier.

Once in the van, the car jacker reversed backwards and hit a car and then hit several other cars as he tried to make off in the van. The car jacker eventually gave up and made off on foot down Belfield Road.

David saw the man on the run and ran after him. He then proceeded to rugby tackle him to the ground and kept hold of him until the police arrived.

David said: “I saw a lady in distress and I wanted to help. Once I saw the man run off I just ran after him and tackled him to the floor.”

David, who has played lots of rugby in the past, was in peak condition for the pursuit after taking part in a tough man challenge last weekend. He said: “I was in the frame of mind not to be phased by it so I just thought I would have him and go after him.”

Explaining the fight Ms Jeffries put up, David added: “She was very defiant as well. If it hadn’t been for her actions we probably wouldn’t have got him.”

Claire Jeffries said: "Dave was amazing. He was brilliant. He was off like a rocket to get him. All of the mechanics on the street were brilliant. The community really came together. I had about 30 people all asking me to sit in their offices or houses."

"I am just shook up really. I have a burst lip, bruises and a sore back. I haven't been to hospital because I didn't need to. They are all superficial injuries really."

"I am so thankful that nobody got seriously hurt. You never know what could have happened with the state of mind he was in.

"Thankfully Dave caught him and hopefully now he pleads guilty.

"I am just shocked at such a violent incident at 8:30am in the morning on such a quiet street in Rochdale.

"I am now without a vehicle and it looks like it will be written off."

A police spokesman said: “A man was arrested on suspicion of taking a motor vehicle without consent.”

David added: “I am just glad we got him and that he has been arrested. Hopefully he is put behind bars now. The community really stood up today.”