M56 police chase with Mercedes Sprinter ends as van bursts through Manchester Airport barrier
A police chase involving a helicopter, which took place along the M56, finished in dramatic fashion as the pursued Mercedes van burst through a barrier at Manchester Airport[1]. The long pursuit came to an end when the driver of a white Mercedes Sprinter van crashed through the barrier at the airport's multi-storey car park and made off on foot.
He was eventually caught and arrested near to the Radisson Blu hotel as police found a large quantity of illegal drugs in the abandoned van.
The pursuit began at around 5.30pm on Tuesday, March 5, when officers attempted to stop the Mercedes Sprinter on the M56[2], near Warrington[3]. The vehicle failed to stop and made off at speed.
Officers pursued the vehicle as it travelled along the M56 into Manchester and then onto the A555 towards Manchester Airport. As the vehicle was travelling a number of packages were thrown from the van.
Officers from Greater Manchester Police were called to assist, along with the police helicopter. The van subsequently came to a stop after driving through a barrier onto a multi-storey car park at Manchester Airport.
The driver attempted to make off on foot, but he was quickly arrested near to the Radisson Blue Hotel. A large quantity of what is believed to be heroin was also recovered from the M56.
The 42-year-old from Manchester was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs, being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and failing to stop for officers. He remains in custody at this time.
Following the incident Chief Inspector John Forshaw, of the Cheshire Police Road and Crime unit, said: “This is another fantastic result which has led to the removal of a large quantity of illegal drugs from the streets of Cheshire, and I would like to thank our colleagues at GMP for the support they provided.
“While this investigation is in the early stages, I hope that these arrests provide reassurance for residents in the area and the wider community.
“We are committed to doing all we can to crackdown on those who bring misery to our communities, helping to ensure Cheshire remains a hostile environment for those intent on committing crime.
“If you have any concerns about drugs activity in your community, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via 101 or online at www.cheshire.police.uk/tell-us.”
NEWSLETTER: Sign up for CheshireLive email direct to your inbox here[6]
References
- ^ Manchester Airport (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
- ^ M56 (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
- ^ Warrington (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
- ^ Rapist groomed girl, 14, on Snapchat then paid for her 65-mile taxi ride to his home (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
- ^ Biker, 43, dies after crash with van on Cheshire road (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
- ^ Sign up for CheshireLive email direct to your inbox here (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)