Gun-Toting Suspect Caught After Dramatic Manchester Police Chase
Three brave Greater Manchester cops nabbed a man carrying a converted handgun after a nail-biting foot chase through backstreets. The incident happened on March 24, 2021, during a routine patrol.
Suspicious Group Sparks High-Stakes Pursuit
- PC Jessica Hamblett spotted a shady group hanging around, prompting PC Richard Hayes to reverse their plain patrol car.
- A sudden loud bang made officers fear a gun had been fired.
- The team noticed a man sprinting down the street, clutching a black bin liner—trying to hide what was inside.
“They identified themselves as police, but the man bolted towards a waiting black Ford Focus with two others inside,” said Greater Manchester Police Federation Chair Lee Broadbent.
High-Speed Escape Ends in Arrest
- Officers gave chase on foot after the suspect.
- The Ford Focus tried to run them down on the pavement but left the man behind.
- PC Jack Ginger and colleagues caught the suspect after a tense backstreet pursuit.
PC Hayes later found the discarded bin bag containing a converted blank-firing Retay handgun with a live cartridge—illegal and dangerous. The man’s prints were on the bag, sealing his fate.
Heroes Honoured at National Police Bravery Awards
The offender was charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and was sentenced to five years in prison in July 2021.
“What a fantastic trio,” said Lee Broadbent. “They acted swiftly, risking their own safety to protect the public.”
Thanks to their calm communication during the chase, backup officers arrived quickly, helped secure the scene, and recovered the weapon and vital evidence.
PCs Ginger, Hamblett, and Hayes are now nominated for the National Police Bravery Awards and will attend the ceremony in London this July—heroes who stopped a dangerous armed crook from terrorising their community.
