Two arrested and vehicles recovered in Knowsley

We arrested two males and recovered stolen vehicles in Knowsley yesterday (Thursday 17 February). 

At around 5.30pm officers received a report of a white Ford C-Max, which had been reported stolen in the Billinge area, being driven in Whiston.

Officers located the vehicle near the Brookbridge roundabout area of Huyton where it failed to stop for police.

A pursuit ensued, during which the driver of the Ford damaged a police vehicle in an attempt to evade officers. 

Police pursued the vehicle to the Apostles Way area of Kirkby where the male driver abandoned the vehicle and attempted to make off on foot. 

With the assistance of the National Police Air Helicopter Service (NPAS), officers located and detained a male.

A 24-year-old man from Kirkby was arrested on suspicion of aggravated unauthorised theft of a motor vehicle, criminal damage to a police vehicle, failing to stop for police and driving without a licence or insurance. 

He was taken into custody for questioning.

In a separate incident, at around 4.40pm on Thursday, officers received a report of males pushing a suspected stolen Yamaha motorbike on Rudgate in Whiston.

Officers attended, searched a property on Rudgate and recovered a motorbike which was reported stolen from the Wigan area in December 2021. 

A quantity of suspected cannabis was also located at the address. 

A 15-year-old male from Whiston was arrested on suspicion of burglary, handling stolen goods and possession with intent to supply Class B drugs. 

He was taken into custody for questioning and has since been release under investigation pending further enquiries. 

Detective Inspector Lisa Milligan said: “Thanks to information from the community and assistance from our specialist teams at the National Police Air Service and Matrix Vehicle Enforcement Team, these arrests were made possible.

“The two arrests yesterday show that where vehicle theft takes place we will do all we can to find those responsible and bring them to justice.

“If you witness any suspicious behaviour or theft in your community please contact us via our social media desk @MerPolCC, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or call 999 if a crime is in progress. 

“The information you provide can really make a difference in finding those responsible and putting them before the courts."

If you have any information about vehicle theft or criminality in your community, please DM @MerpolCC or call 101. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.