A man, aged 50, has been arrested on suspicion of kidnap, theft of a motor vehicle and dangerous driving and remains in police custody following an incident in Ashton under Lyne yesterday when a car was stolen with an 89 year old woman in the passenger seat
The driver had left her vehicle and kept the engine on so it remained warm whilst her 89-year-old mother sat in the passenger seat.
A man was reported to have got into the car and driven it away with the elderly woman still in the passenger seat.
Police pursued the car before bringing it to a stop safely.
There was no damage to the suspected stolen vehicle and no injuries to the woman in the passenger seat, who was safely reunited with her daughter a short time later.
Chief Inspector Matt Jackson of GMP’s Specialist Operation Branch said: “This shows great work by the team in what could have been a really dangerous incident which was managed well by the officers to ensure the vehicle was brought to a stop safely.
“I am pleased to hear that the elderly woman was safely reunited with her daughter, it must have been really terrifying for her to have been the passenger whilst the car was driven off by a stranger.
“Our officers worked hard to follow the vehicle before engaging in a pursuit to safely bring the vehicle to a stop and make the arrest.
“From identifying the stolen vehicle to arresting the suspects, our officers are highly skilled and dedicated individuals, and this arrest goes to show how much work goes into these operations across the force.
“GMP will not tolerate this reckless behaviour and I hope yesterdays actions demonstrate that we will use all resources available to catch suspects and make sure our streets are safe.”
