TikTok video shows 'kids stealing a police car' while brave officer detained 28-year-old suspect during pursuit

An investigation is underway after someone took the wheel of a Greater Manchester Police car while an officer arrested a 'dangerous driver' nearby. A video shared on TikTok shows a BMW 4x4 in police livery being driven recklessly in Kirkholt, Rochdale.

The car can be seen reversing along the pavement of a street at pace, before being backing into a side street and bouncing off the kerb and back onto the road. The video, shared on Sunday (April 14) features the caption: "Local kids steal a police car."

In a statement issued this morning (Monday), a GMP spokesperson confirmed the force was aware of the incident, and a suspect may have been identified. The spokesperson said: "We’re aware of a video being shared online of a police car being driven dangerously in Kirkholt over the weekend.

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"This happened after an officer left the car to bravely detain a 28-year-old man in a nearby shop following a pursuit. Someone decided to get into the car and behave in this unacceptable manner and now believe we have identified them for further action."

The car was recovered by GMP close to the scene a short time later. It had been taken while police had arrested a driver in Kirkholt on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, and driving with no licence and no insurance.

They was also arrested on suspicion of possessing a bladed article, assault of an emergency worker, criminal damage and breach of a court order. It's understood they remain in custody for questioning this morning.