Police in Swindon have revealed more information about the dramatic arrest of a wanted man in the town centre on Friday (9 May).
Staff at a bank called 999 after spotting Jamie Loveridge, who police have been searching for following the theft of a bicycle in Cricklade Road earlier in the week.
Officers arrived in the area and the suspect fled – climbing onto single-storey rooftops at the rear of properties in Stanier Street.
Crombey Street was closed after Loveridge started throwing bricks and other items at the police, and reportedly threatened to harm himself.
Specially-trained negotiators were tasked to the scene, as was Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and South Western Ambulance Service.
“Yesterday’s incident in Crombey Street was a great example of excellent teamwork across the Force and our partner agencies in bringing about a positive result”, a force spokesperson said.
They continued: “At around 5.15pm yesterday we received a report from staff at a local bank that a man wanted for the theft of a bicycle, which had been widely publicised on social media, had been seen near Regent Circus.
“Waterside CCTV were notified and began monitoring. Officers also attended the scene, at which point the man made off on foot, climbing onto a roof on Crombey Street.
“He then began throwing bricks and roof tiles at officers – fortunately, there were no injuries.
“The Force Incident Manager resourced negotiators, while our colleagues at the ambulance and fire and rescue services both also attended to assist.
“The road was closed for both public and officer safety. Officers, working in conjunction with the negotiator team, were able to safely bring the man down from the roof.
“He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of theft, three counts of assault on officers, and recall to prison.”
