Van driver helps armed officers catch criminal

Praise has been heaped on an east Kent van driver who gave an impromptu lift to armed officers chasing a suspect in Thanet.

Kent Police units were visiting a property in the High Street shortly after midday on Tuesday 16 June 2026, following reports of a serious assault in the area. When officers arrived, a wanted suspect managed to evade officers and fled the scene on foot, running towards Tivoli Road.

During the chase, a passing motorist stopped to help and told a pursuing armed officer to get in the back of his van. With the officer in the back of the vehicle, they were able to catch up with the fleeing suspect and arrest him soon afterwards.

The member of the public has since been thanked for his actions and has been recommended for a commendation by the force.

Armed Policing Superintendent Will Lay said:

‘A violent offender who was being relentlessly pursued, and was seeking to evade capture, came close to losing patrols in a nearby park. However, our armed officers remained committed. ‘Thanks to the quick and selfless actions of this responsible and public-spirited driver, officers were able to apprehend the dangerous individual. The successful arrest may not have been possible without the member of the public and his vehicle. ‘He should feel proud of his contribution to keeping his community safe, and we are truly grateful for his assistance.’