'GRAN' THEFT AUTO: Thief stole car with 89-year-old woman sitting in the passenger seat

A suspected car thief drove off in a vehicle with an 89-year-old woman sitting in the passenger seat.

A man has been arrested following the pursuit of a suspected stolen vehicle near Market Hall, Ashton, yesterday.

Police received reports of a stolen vehicle at around 1pm, after a woman 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.

Following the report, local officers were quick to follow the vehicle before officers from GMP’s Road Policing Unit pursued the car for a short period of time 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.

A man, aged 50, was arrested on suspicion of kidnap, theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving and remains in police custody.

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."