Suspected Shoplifter's Dramatic Arrest
A suspected shoplifter experienced an extraordinary turn of events when he accidentally ran directly into the path of Greater Manchester Police's most senior officer during a foot chase.
The incident occurred on Friday 07 November 2025 in Bury, following reports of a theft from a local store. The suspect was being pursued by officers when he made the unfortunate decision to run towards the GMP Sedgley Park training centre.
Chief Constable Takes Direct Action
At that precise moment, Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson had been welcoming new officers at a passing out parade. Spotting the unfolding pursuit, the chief took immediate action.
A GMP spokesman confirmed that Sir Stephen positioned himself ahead of the fleeing suspect, detaining him until other officers arrived to make the formal arrest. Body-worn footage released by the force clearly shows the chief constable physically holding the suspect during the arrest procedure.
Further Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
The police confirmed that two additional individuals - another man and a woman - were detained nearby in connection with the same incident. Authorities also reported that a security guard was allegedly assaulted during the original theft.
All three suspects, described as being in their 30s, remain in police custody on suspicion of theft. This arrest forms part of GMP's increased proactive enforcement against shop theft across the Greater Manchester area.
The dramatic circumstances highlight the unpredictable nature of police work, demonstrating that even the force's most senior officers can find themselves directly involved in frontline action when least expected.
