Body camera footage released by Kent Police captures the moment a van driver spontaneously offered a lift to armed officers chasing a suspect in Margate, Thanet. The incident occurred on June 16, 2026, when police responded to reports of a serious assault.
Quick-thinking driver joins pursuit
As armed officers arrived at the scene in Thanet, the suspect fled on foot toward Tivoli Road. Body-worn camera footage begins with an officer shouting, "Armed police, stay where you are." A passing van driver then pulled over and told the pursuing officer, "Get in the back."
The officer jumped into the black minivan, leaving the sliding door open, and directed the driver: "Go, go, go! Cheers buddy. Follow that police officer." The driver accelerated, following the other officer still chasing on foot.
Arrest and gratitude
The officer instructed the driver to overtake the suspect and the chasing officer. When told to stop, the driver pulled up quickly, allowing the officer to jump out, train his gun on the suspect, and make the arrest. The driver watched nearby before receiving a hearty handshake from police.
"I am just glad I could be of service. That was quite exhilarating," the unnamed driver said.
Police commend public-spirited action
Kent Police's Armed Policing Superintendent Will Lay praised the driver: "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."
