Merseyside police helicopter crew to face no action after chasing suspect at low altitude
Video footage was published on social media last week showing a National Police Air Service (Npas) helicopter pursuing the man, which resulted in the detention of the suspect for numerous alleged offences including dangerous driving, driving a motor vehicle which had been taken without the owner's consent, driving while disqualified, failing to stop and conspiring to intentionally/recklessly cause a public nuisance. A second suspect was arrested for alleged theft of a motor vehicle and assisting an offender.
Npas's air crew had been deployed to assist Merseyside police following reports of a man riding a scrambler bike in a dangerous and reckless manner near Carr Mill Dam in St Helens.
Police air crew normally fly at a safer height of at least 60 metres during routine patrols but can descend when pursuing a vehicle or conducting surveillance.
Following an internal review of the incident, which occurred on 13 August, the Npas said: 'We are satisfied that the crew acted appropriately, conducted a dynamic risk assessment and operated within the parameters and regulations for our operational deployments.'
Ch Supt Fiona Gaffney, chief operating officer for Npas, said: 'Our crew tracked the motorcyclist for over an hour, providing continuous updates to ground officers. This was a legitimate policing task in support of public safety and crime prevention.
'Once in a safe location, the crew recorded the decision to lower altitude with the intention of landing. As the motorcyclist continued to make off, the landing was discontinued and the aircraft accelerated before climbing away. This is an accepted takeoff manoeuvre.'
Gaffney added: 'The fast-paced and unpredictable nature of vehicle pursuits can require crews to make rapid decisions to ensure public safety. We have robust procedures in place to support these decisions and safety remains our highest priority.'
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