A police helicopter was deployed in a hunt for burglary suspects yesterday.

Greater Manchester Police called on the assistance of the National Police Air Service which sent a helicopter to track down a grey Ford Fiesta through Middleton and into Rochdale.

At around 11.30am, the force's Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit was alerted to a cloned vehicle through its automatic number place recognition cameras.

After being covertly followed on a busy stretch of road, the force said the driver continued at high speeds failing to stop.

The Oldham Times: The grey Ford Fiesta driven by the burglary suspect during the high speed chaseThe grey Ford Fiesta driven by the burglary suspect during the high speed chase (Image: GMP)

Pursuing the vehicle on residential streets, it later crashed into a pedestrian island on Hollins Lane.

Officers in the immediate area were helped by district colleagues and the wider Specialist Operations branch. 

The car's driver alongside two passengers were detained close by on suspicion of burglary.

A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of going equipped to steal and possession of an offensive weapon. He has since been bailed.

The Oldham Times: The police chopper helped catch the suspectsThe police chopper helped catch the suspects (Image: GMP)

While a 19-year-old man has also been bailed on suspicion of possessing a controlled drug and an offensive weapon, along with a 17-year-old girl who has been bailed on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon.

PC Oliver Rose of Greater Manchester Police's Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit said: "Our co-ordinated, quick, and tactical response meant we have secured another good result.

"Thankfully, their actions, especially the drivers in broad daylight didn’t result in any serious injuries to members of the public, but our ongoing commitment and determination to catch potential offenders in the act is a priority.

"With the resources available to us were able to track and trace a vehicle safely that we believe has been linked to a previous burglary."

Police said a subsequent search of the vehicle recovered a baseball bat and hammer, as well as wiring which is believed to be linked to starting motorbikes.

Residents with any information are urged to call 101, quoting incident 1148 of 01/02/2024. Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.