The National Police Air Service (NPAS) has issued a statement after video footage showing a low-flying police helicopter during an operation in Merseyside went viral on social media.
The clip, filmed on Wednesday 13 August, was widely shared online and shows the helicopter descending close to the ground during a police pursuit. The incident led to the arrest of a man for dangerous driving, taking a vehicle without consent, driving while disqualified, failing to stop, driving without insurance, and conspiring to cause a public nuisance. A second suspect was arrested for theft of a motor vehicle and assisting an offender.
NPAS Chief Operating Officer Chief Supt Fiona Gaffney said the short video did not reflect the full context of an operation that lasted over an hour.
“At around 2.30pm, our air crew was deployed to assist Merseyside Police after reports of a man riding a scrambler bike dangerously near Carr Mill Dam. The rider mounted pavements, sped through residential areas, and narrowly missed a pedestrian.
A second male later joined him on the bike and together they continued to evade police, travelling across roads and fields. Our crew tracked the motorcyclist for over an hour, providing continuous updates to ground officers.”
Chief Supt Gaffney explained that the crew had been preparing to land in a safe location, but when the suspects continued to flee, the landing was aborted and the aircraft accelerated before climbing away – describing it as “an accepted take-off manoeuvre.”
Following an internal review of aircraft footage, radio logs, and operational decision-making, NPAS said it was satisfied that the crew had acted appropriately, carried out a dynamic risk assessment, and operated within all regulations.
“The fast-paced and unpredictable nature of vehicle pursuits can require crews to make rapid decisions to ensure public safety. We have robust procedures in place to support these decisions, and safety remains our highest priority,” Chief Supt Gaffney added.
NPAS confirmed it continues to work closely with the Civil Aviation Authority to maintain operational standards and thanked the public for their engagement and concern.
