A public-spirited van driver became an unlikely hero after pulling over to give armed Kent Police officers a lift during a dramatic Margate police chase, helping them apprehend a suspect.
Dramatic footage has captured the moment a random member of the public played a vital role in helping armed police apprehend a suspect.
The van driver has since been showered with praise for giving the spontaneous lift to armed officers during the pursuit in Thanet, Kent.
Gripping footage of the incident, recorded on body cameras worn by police, starts with a shout: “armed police, stay where you are.”
Armed officers from Kent Police were responding to reports of a serious assault when they arrived at the scene in Thanet, where a wanted suspect managed to slip past officers and escaped on foot, sprinting towards Tivoli Road.
Footage from one of the officer’s body-worn cameras captures the moment the van driver stopped to assist armed police in pursuing the suspect.
As the driver drew up, he instructed the police officer: “Get in the back.”
The officer followed orders and leapt into the black minivan, keeping the sliding door ajar to guide his makeshift partner.
The officer can be heard saying: “Go, go, go! Cheers buddy. Follow that police officer.”
As the driver accelerated in the direction of the officer who was still pursuing on foot, the policeman kept issuing directions, instructing him to overtake the suspect and the other officer giving chase.
The driver stopped sharply when the policeman shouted at him to halt, giving him sufficient time to position himself ahead of and corner the fleeing suspect. Then, after leaping out, the armed officer pointed his weapon at the suspect and carried out the arrest.
The driver, who has not been identified, remained close by observing the dramatic detention play out before him, before receiving gratitude from police in the form of a firm handshake.
The van driver said: “I am just glad I could be of service. That was quite exhilarating.”
Following the dramatic arrest and police assistance, Kent Police’s Armed Policing Superintendent Will Lay expressed gratitude to the unnamed man for his help.
“Thanks to the quick and selfless actions of this responsible and public-spirited driver, officers were able to apprehend the dangerous individual,” Supt Lay said.
“The successful arrest may not have been possible without the member of the public and his vehicle.
“He should feel proud of his contribution to keeping his community safe, and we are truly grateful for his assistance.”