A Wiltshire 999s news reporter witnessed a violent assault before sprinting after the suspect in Swindon town centre yesterday evening, later helping the police apprehend him.
Daniel Jae Webb saw the attack unfold outside Vodafone in Canal Walk at around 10.15pm. Police officers were immediately sent to the scene following a report of a man being punched to the floor.
One of the first officers to arrive, neighbourhood PC Finning, asked Daniel to join him in search of the suspect who managed to outrun him. In a police car, they together raced to the area in which the perpetrator was last seen and continued on foot – splitting up to search either side of Collage Street.
A short time later, the suspect was found hiding behind bins in a service area. The suspect was identified at the male involved in the incident and arrested on suspicion of common assault.
Another officer had managed to locate the victim of the assault, who refused to engage with police. Subsequently, the suspect was dearrested and returned to his home in West Swindon.
Unless the victim decides to engage with the police, no further action will be taken against the man.
Commenting on the incident, Daniel Jae Webb said: “This was a nasty attack in Swindon town centre. The victim was punched in the head a number of times and kicked on the floor.
“I felt I had no choice but to intervene, but luckily, officers arrived within 30 seconds of my call to the police. On their arrival, five people fled from the scene – three on bicycles and two on foot.
“Losing sight of the main suspect involved, officers asked me to jump in the police car so we could try and locate him – and we did so within minutes.”
