Helicopter crew chasing biker 'acted appropriately'
Footage of a low-flying aircraft during a pursuit in St Helens was widely shared on social media
The National Police Air Service (NPAS) has defended the actions of one of its helicopter crews after footage of a low-flying aircraft during a pursuit in St Helens was widely shared on social media.
The clip, filmed on Wednesday 13 August, shows the helicopter appearing to fly close to the ground during an operation that ended in the arrest of two men. The incident began around 2.30pm after reports of a scrambler bike being ridden dangerously near Carr Mill Dam.
According to NPAS, the rider mounted pavements, sped through residential areas, and narrowly missed a pedestrian. A second man later joined him on the bike, with both continuing to evade police across roads and fields. The NPAS crew tracked the motorbike for over an hour, providing live updates to Merseyside Police on the ground.
Chief Superintendent Fiona Gaffney, Chief Operating Officer for NPAS, said: “This was a legitimate policing task in support of public safety and crime prevention. Once in a safe location, the crew recorded the decision to lower altitude with the intention of landing.
"As the motorcyclist continued to make off, the landing was discontinued and the aircraft accelerated before climbing away. This is an accepted take-off manoeuvre.”
She stressed that an internal review of the helicopter’s footage, radio commentary, and decision-making found the crew had acted appropriately and in line with operational regulations.
“The fast-paced and unpredictable nature of vehicle pursuits can require crews to make rapid decisions to ensure public safety,” she said. “We are satisfied that the crew conducted a dynamic risk assessment and operated within the parameters for our deployments.”
Two men were arrested following the incident: one on suspicion of dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, taking a vehicle without consent, failing to stop, driving without insurance, and conspiring to cause a public nuisance; and a second for theft of a motor vehicle and assisting an offender.
NPAS added that it works closely with the Civil Aviation Authority to ensure safety standards are met, and reassured the public that safety remains its “highest priority.”