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Chaotic scenes unfolded on a Wirral estate when two teenagers were arrested after they stole a delivery driver’s motorcycle.
A police chase led to the suspects being detained in Leasowe following a chase involving a force helicopter.
The officers were then surrounded by a crowd of onlookers who yelled at them while one of the teenagers was pinned to the ground.
The tension increased when a police officer, who had repeatedly urged onlookers to step aside, appeared to push a woman who approached him.
Others from the crowd rushed forward, and a man apparently aimed a kick at the officer, who responded by spraying a substance similar to pepper spray.
INCIDENT DEPLOYED AFTER DELIVERY STOLEN DRIVER’S BIKE
(Image: UGC)
The incident was sparked by reports to a fast food delivery driver that his motorcycle was stolen while picking up an order around 1.40pm on Saturday.
Two men reportedly stopped on a different bike, and one jumped to grab the delivery driver’s vehicle.
The victim was said to be “extremely distraught” over the robbery.
Merseyside police rushed a National Police Air Service helicopter in an attempt to track down the stolen bicycle, prompting the pursuit of two suspects.
One threw a bicycle during the chase and then officers tracked down the suspects who were riding together until the bicycle they were riding broke down on Mackenzie Road in Leasowe around 3.25 p.m.
Onlookers’ footage captured the frantic scenes that followed.
TENSION INCREASED AS MEMBERS COMPLAINED ABOUT THE ARREST OF ADOLESCENTS
Mobile phone video showed a man screaming as officers pinned him to the ground.
A crowd gathered around him, and a man was heard accusing the arresting officer of “twisting him [the suspect] throughout the show. “
Another male is on record accusing the officers of being “rats.”
As various bystanders become more vocal, a male officer can be heard urging them to “back off.” He comes across insults from a passerby who seems to claim he could “hit [the officer’s] enters”.
When the suspect is led into the center of the commotion, another man attempts to follow him, only to be removed by the officer.
There was more trouble when a woman in a robe approached the officer, who pushed her away and caused others to move toward him, including a man who appears to be aiming a kick in her direction.
At this point, officers use PAVA spray, similar to pepper spray, in an attempt to force the crowd back.
Images of the incident have been shared hundreds of times online.
POLICE SAY OFFICERS ARE ‘DOING THE BEST’ IN FRONT OF ‘AGGRESSIVE’ CROWD
In response to the film, Merseyside Police said their officers were surrounded by an “aggressive” crowd and that footage from the incident would be used to decide whether anyone involved should face action.
Chief Inspector Keith McLachlan said: “When the two officers restrained the two men, they were quickly surrounded by a large group of people threatening and mistreating them. As a result, a call was made for help and other officers attended.
“The crowd continued to be aggressive towards officers and at one point officers had to resort to using the PAVA spray.
“Two men, ages 18 and 19, from Leasowe were arrested and have been taken to a police station where they will be interviewed by detectives.”
He added: “We will review the body camera footage and helicopter footage from the incident to see if other people within the crowd surrounding the officers committed further crimes.
“These officers were doing everything they could after a crime victim called the police for help, after her motorcycle was stolen.
“The victim is a fast food delivery driver and depends on his motorcycle for a living.
“I don’t know if the members of the crowd that surrounded the officers were aware of this, but I hope they realize that the police are there to support crime victims and arrest those responsible for the crime and it should not be prevented when trying to do his job. “
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