Police have launched a major search operation for fleeing thieves in Chippenham – with a helicopter circling in the skies above.
Officers were found investigating the burglary of tools in the Melksham area at around 2pm today (Monday). The suspects were believed to be in a stolen car.
The vehicle – a silver Toyota – was stopped on the driveway of an unconnected property in Wiltshire Drive, on the new Lackham Place housing estate, around an hour later.
One suspect, a man, was arrested at the scene – while at least one other made off into nearby countryside. The National Police Air Service chopper, from Bristol, was deployed.
Two dog units were also tasked, carrying out searches in the vicinity. A plain-clothed officer located discarded clothing, believed to belong to a suspect.
A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said that “one man has been detained and enquiries are currently ongoing”.
They confirmed that the incident followed the theft of tools from a vehicle in Melksham shortly before 2pm – with the suspects “believed to be travelling in a stolen vehicle”.
The suspect said the car was “stopped near Rowden Gate in Chippenham”.
It’s thought that at least one suspect remains outstanding. However this has not been confirmed by authorities at this stage.
