A stolen vehicle and 11 car keys were recovered after three people were arrested following a police chase in Ashton. 

At around 1.54pm on Wednesday afternoon (3 November), police received a report of three men in a BMW behaving suspiciously in a car park on Lord Sheldon Way. 

The vehicle subsequently left the car park and officers from Greater Manchester Police's Tactical Vehicle Interception Unit were deployed to follow the car. The National Police Air Service was also sent to track the vehicle from above.

Aware that they were being followed, the BMW attempted to flee police and a pursuit ensued with the BMW travelling at around 70mph down Katherine Street before turning onto Thornway Drive and coming to a halt.

The men attempted to decamp the vehicle but were swiftly detained by officers.

Two men, aged 19 and 22, and a 16-year-old male were arrested on suspicion of burglary and theft of motor vehicles. They all remain in custody for questioning.

Following a search of the vehicle, 11 Ford keys, an OBD device, key programmer, angle grinder, drill and lock knife were recovered.

The vehicle was also believed to have been stolen in a burglary at a property in Stockport overnight on 29 October. 

Police say enquiries are ongoing.

Detective Sergeant Peter Goddard, of GMP's Tameside district Serious Acquisitive Crime Team, said: "This was a significant result for officers with three males arrested and a number of items recovered from the stolen vehicle.

"These men were driving at speeds of around 70mph in a built-up area putting the lives of the general public at risk, but thanks to the swift deployment of officers from our vehicle interception unit we were able to bring the pursuit to a safe conclusion.

"Although we have three males in custody for question our investigation will remain ongoing and I would encourage anyone with information or who may have dash-cam footage of the vehicle or pursuit to contact police."

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 9372 quoting incident 1499 of 04/11/21. Alternatively, details can be passed via our LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk or via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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