3 days ago
Teen, 19, fighting for his life after falling from balcony while fleeing police
A teenager is fighting for his life in hospital after falling from a balcony while fleeing police.
The 19-year-old suffered critical injuries after falling off an 'upper balcony from height' in Tameside last night, said GMP. A 14-year-old boy was also seriously injured in the same fall.
It came after police were called to reports of a 'group of males with machetes making threats towards individuals' at a flat on Bentinck Street, Ashton at 7.20pm on Saturday. When officers arrived three males 'tried to leave' the property, with the third escaping through a lower balcony.
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Footage from the scene shows emergency services at the foot of Bentinck House, a 12 storey tower block on the outskirts of Ashton town centre. Three people have been arrested. Drugs and a weapon have also been seized.
Witnesses reported seeing armed police and an air ambulance at the scene.
Det Supt Gareth Jenkins from the Tameside District said: "The two injured parties, aged 14 and 19, have been taken to hospital for treatment of serious injuries, with the older male in a critical condition. These males are under the detention of officers pending their medical treatment, and another male has been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs.
'Enquiries are ongoing to determine all of those involved and the full circumstances of what has happened in the lead up to the incident. Suspected drugs and a weapon have been recovered. A small scene remains in place at the property and residents in the area should expect to see further police activity.
"Anyone with any information which has not yet been provided to us, or with any concerns, should speak to officers on the ground. I'd like to reassure the community that this incident is believed to be between individuals known to one another, with no wider risk to the community."
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting log 2849 of May 31 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
