Teenager arrested following high-speed police chase across Greater Manchester

A teenager has been arrested following a high-speed police chase involving a stolen moped, an alleged machete offence and multiple other outstanding offences.

Officers spotted two men wearing balaclavas on a moped on Huddersfield Road, Oldham. 

Following a brief covert follow, the riders became aware of the unmarked police vehicle and made off from the area. 

The pair attempted to evade officers by riding through a petrol station but then fell from the moped. 

The passenger fled on foot, while the rider managed to restart the vehicle and continued to make off. 

The pursuit continued from Oldham into Middleton, with support provided by the National Police Air Service (NPAS). 

The rider eventually entered a cul-de-sac, carried out a U-turn and attempted to pass approaching police vehicles. Officers tactically positioned a police vehicle to prevent the rider escaping. 

Low speed tactical contact was made bringing the pursuit to a safe conclusion. The rider was uninjured and only minor damage was caused to the police vehicle. 

The suspect then attempted to flee on foot but was swiftly detained by the tactical dog unit with support from police dog Dillon. 

The teenager, aged 17, was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop, possession of cannabis, possession of an offensive weapon, aggravated taking of a motor vehicle without consent (TWOC) and for being wanted in connection with a serious assault with intent to rob. 

The man was further found to be subject to a Criminal Behaviour Order. 

Officers recovered a machete believed to have been discarded during the pursuit. 

Inspector Tom Abbott from the Roads Policing Unit said: “Offenders using our roads for criminality can expect a robust response from the Roads Policing Unit (RPU). 

“We continue to use every tactic and resource available to us to keep our roads safe and bring offenders to justice. 

“To those intent on doing harm – you are not welcome on our roads, and we will ensure you get that message loud and clear. 

“On this occasion, offenders in balaclavas riding a stolen moped, and in possession of a machete, clearly thought they’d be left alone to commit crime in Oldham. They were wrong.” 

Enquiries are ongoing.