Tameside man arrested on suspicion of kidnap after car is stolen with elderly woman still in passenger seat
A man has been arrested on suspicion of kidnap after a car was stolen with an elderly woman still sat in the passenger seat.
It comes after police received reports of a stolen vehicle near the Market Hall, in the Tameside town of Ashton-under-Lyne, at around 1pm this past Saturday (6 January).
According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the shocking incident occurred a after woman had left her vehicle and kept the engine running, so that it could remain warm whilst her 89-year-old mother was sat in the passenger seat waiting – but it was at this opportune moment when a man was reported to have got into the car.
The man then proceeded to drive the vehicle away from the scene, but with the elderly woman still in the passenger seat.
Shortly after the incident had been reported, local officers in the Tameside area were quick to follow the vehicle, before officers from GMP’s Road Policing Unit then went on to pursue the car for a short period of time and eventually bring it to a safe stop.
Thankfully, the elderly woman sustained no injuries during the distressing incident, and was safely reunited with her daughter a short time later.
Following the pursuit, GMP has confirmed that a 50-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of kidnap, theft of a motor vehicle, and dangerous driving.
He currently remains in police custody.
“This shows great work by the team in what could have been a really dangerous incident, which was managed well by the officers to ensure the vehicle was brought to a stop safely,” explained Chief Inspector Matt Jackson, of GMP’s Specialist Operation Branch.
“I’m pleased to hear that the elderly woman was safely reunited with her daughter.
Read more:
- Police thank public for helping detain a man who tried to kidnap a child in Bolton
- Image of man released as police appeal for information after burglary at Oldham jewellers
- New study reveals Greater Manchester’s Christmas crime rate is one of the highest in the UK
“It must have been really terrifying for her to have been the passenger whilst the car was driven off by a stranger.”
Featured Image – Google Maps