Six arrests have been made after the discovery of an abandoned van police said had been doused in bleach. The Fiat Ducato was reported to police then examined on Mile Lane End, off Buxton Road in the Heaviley area of Stockport, late on Friday night, GMP said in a statement.
Vehicles tracked via traffic cameras
The force said traffic cameras were examined and 'intelligence-led enquiries' carried out before the van was discovered to have previously been travelling 'in convoy' with two other vehicles - a green Land Rover Discovery and an Audi S4.
Police alerts for those vehicles were issued, with GMP saying they were later located in two different force areas. Both the Range Rover and the Audi tried to get away from pursuing officers, but were 'brought to a stop following tactical interventions', the force added.
False plates and arrests
All three vehicles were subsequently found to be on false registration plates. GMP said six people were arrested on suspicion of theft and driving offences in connection with the incident.
The van was found in Stockport at around 11.34pm on Friday. It was recovered for analysis and police said enquiries were continuing.
Appeal for witnesses
A force spokesperson said in a statement: "Investigators are continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether any offences have been committed."
Detective Sergeant Steven Hartley said: "Thanks to intelligence-led enquiries and the swift response of officers, six individuals were arrested following this incident. Our investigation remains ongoing as we work to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident and determine whether any offences have been committed. We would urge anyone who was in the Mile End Lane area between approximately 10.30pm and midnight on Friday 21 August 2026 and saw any suspicious activity is asked to contact police."
