25-02-2025
Police chase 'stolen' BMW as driver speeds through back streets and along footpath
Dramatic footage has revealed the moment a 'stolen' BMW was driven at speed through back streets and along a footpath during a police pursuit in Rochdale.
At around 10.45pm on Monday (February 24), officers spotted a 'suspicious' car along Albert Royds Street and began to follow it as it travelled through the nearby area.
After dropping off two passengers, the driver of the 3 Series BMW was requested to stop by officers, but instead made off at speed through residential areas and through numerous no entry signs, GMP said.
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The car was eventually stopped on a grass verge after the driver squeezed through a pedestrian footpath. Both occupants, two men, one in his 20s and the other in his 30s, were arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and possession of Class B drugs.
The driver was also arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving. The pair remain in custody to be questioned in relation to the incident.
PC Oliver Rose from GMP's Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit said: 'This incident is another example of reckless behaviour which posed a significant threat to public safety.
'Not only to other road users but had a pedestrian been walking along the path at that time the driver mounted it to evade capture, the consequences could have been devastating.
'I want to make it absolutely clear that vehicle theft is an offence we take extremely seriously and will not tolerate in our communities. These arrests demonstrate our commitment to protecting our residents and holding offenders accountable for their actions.'
