Four arrested as weapons and drugs are seized after police helicopter spots a joyrider in Washington

The arrests took place shortly after 5am on Wednesday, March 17, when officers spotted the occupants of a silver Volkswagen Golf acting suspiciously.

Police were able to quickly hone in on the vehicle, which failed to pull over, with assistance from the National Police Air Support (NPAS) helicopter.

When the suspects spotted the helicopter they ran into an address on Sulgrave Road in an attempt to hide.

Officers conducted a search of the car and property where they discovered a haul of Class A drugs along with a hammer, an extendable baton and a substance suspected to be ammonia.

Police arrested two men, aged 19 and 34, and two women, aged 30 and 37 – all four suspects currently remain in police custody as officers continue to carry out their investigation.

Superintendent Sam Rennison, of Northumbria Police, has praised the team work of both the officers on the ground and in the air.

She said: “This was a fantastic outcome after some brilliant teamwork between our officers on the ground and NPAS who were able to follow the vehicle’s every move from above.

“Their detailed reports meant that the driver and occupants had nowhere to go – and once again this highlights how crucial a resource that the helicopter is to help us detect crime and locate suspects.

“We carried out extensive searches inside an address as well as inside the car, and officers’ suspicions were proved right as we were able to seize a significant haul of drugs and weapons.

“An investigation is ongoing into these discoveries, but I would like to thank everybody involved in this incident for their hard work and determination. This was a potentially problematic scenario that was contained and swiftly dealt with as a result of some excellent all-round policing.”

Police are urging anyone who sees anything suspicious in their community is asked to report it to them via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of the Northumbria Police website or by calling 101.

Support your Echo and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on SAFC and new puzzles every day.

With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Click here to subscribe.