Suspect accused of assault and criminal damage after police chase through Meadowhall centre
Eyewitnesses saw police chase man through popular centre’s food court
A suspect has been accused of assault and criminal damage after being chased by police through Meadowhall shopping centre, near Sheffield.
Police say the man had refused to stop for officers while driving in Heeley, Sheffield, and then got into a chase through the city, which saw him head to Meadowhall.
He then jumped out of his car and ran into the shopping centre, where eyewitnesses described seeing him running through the Oasis food court, pursued by officers, telling both police and security staff at the centre that he had a knife.
Other witnesses described police dogs and armed officers as being involved.
But police said although armed officers had been involved in the initial car chase, they were not involved in the pursuit through the shopping centre.
South Yorkshire Police said a man was arrested on suspicion of driving offences, affray, criminal damage and assault.
The force said in a statement: “At 9.43am on Sunday (October 4), it is reported that a man in a black BMW failed to stop for officers on Stanley Road, Sheffield.
“Officers pursued the vehicle and the driver, a 42-year-old man, decamped at Meadowhall car park and entered the shopping centre.
“The man is alleged to have told officers and security staff that he had a knife.”
“Officers pursued the man on foot and arrested him on suspicion of driving offences, affray, criminal damage, and assault. He remains in custody at this time.”
Officers said that no knife was found in connection with the incident.
Meadowhall has been approached for comment.