Man arrested after police chase on M62

Merseyside Police have arrested a man on suspicion of firearm possession after a pursuit on the M62 on Saturday 19 June.

Officers from Merseyside Police engaged in the pursuit of a motorbike travelling on the eastbound carriageway of the M62 at around 9pm.

The motorcyclist was brought to a stop between junction 10 (the Croft Interchange) and 11 (Birchwood) in Cheshire. Following a search of the rider, a firearm was located and has been taken for forensic examination.

There was a closure in place between junctions 10 and 11, and motorists were advised to seek alternative routes while police are at the scene.

A 32-year-old man from Salford has been arrested on suspicion of possession of a Section 1 firearm and taken to a police station in Merseyside to be interviewed.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Smith said: “This activity should serve as yet another reminder that we simply will not tolerate the use of guns in Merseyside, and will go to great lengths to stop people intent on bringing the misery of firearms to our communities.

“Where people seek to carry, transport or use dangerous weapons to cause fear and harm here in Merseyside we will devote time, energy and significant resources to bring them to justice and take their firearms off our streets.

“We will act on all information provided on gun crime to remove weapons and those who use them from the community. Our officers regularly carry out warrant, land searches and targeted vehicle stops such as this and if you come forward with what you know, directly or anonymously, we will do the rest.”

Anyone with information on firearms is asked to contact our social media desk on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’. You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111