Two arrested after 'lengthy' Bishop Auckland police chase

Officers on patrol in Bishop Auckland on Monday (October 28) afternoon sighted a suspected stolen scooter being ridden by two males, which failed to stop. 

A police chase was launched through the town and surrounding areas, with the National Police Air Service (NPAS) sending a helicopter to hover overhead. 

The suspects eventually abandoned the scooter and decamped across fields, with officers chasing the duo on foot. 

Footage of the incident taken from the police helicopter (Image: DURHAM CONSTABULARY)

At the time, several police vehicles were spotted parked along High Bondgate, as previously reported in The Northern Echo here. 

The helicopter was brought close to the ground so the tactical flight officer could jump out and detain both males in a field before officers arrived. 

They were both arrested for a range of offences including theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving and failing to stop.

Officers arresting a man as the police helicopter hovers in the distance (Image: DURHAM CONSTABULARY) Officers arresting a man (Image: DURHAM CONSTABULARY)

Durham Constabulary said: "Officers on patrol in Bishop Auckland this afternoon sighted a suspected stolen scooter being ridden by two males.

"The rider failed to stop and led Motorcycle Section and RPU officers on a lengthy pursuit through the town and surrounding countryside.

"The National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter was overhead and followed the suspects as they abandoned the scooter and decamped across fields, with officers giving chase on foot.

Police on High Bondgate (Image: Ian Sanderson-Simpson)

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"The pilot brought the helicopter close to the ground, allowing the Tactical Flight Officer on board to jump out, give chase and detain both males in the field before additional officers arrived.

"The males were arrested for a range of offences including theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving and failing to stop.

"2 more members of the balaclava bike club in custody. A top team effort by RPU, Bikes and NPAS 32 from Newcastle."