Update: Teenager arrested after Hastings police helicopter search

Just before midnight on Tuesday (May 17) a house in Mount Road, Hastings, was burgled and keys to a Nissan Navara truck parked outside were taken.

The truck was driven away and the owner immediately informed the police.

A police spokesman said: “Just over half an hour later, at 12.30am on Wednesday (May 18) an officer searching the area in a patrolling police car spotted the truck on the A259 in St Leonards.

“It sped away from him and it was followed through Hastings town centre at speeds of up to 90mph to the West Hill area, where at 12.40am it crashed into a fence at some allotments and the driver ran off into some woods.

“There was nobody else in the vehicle.

“No other vehicles were damaged during the incident.

“Police searched the area with assistance from a police helicopter, and an hour later a boy was found in woods nearby.”

The 16-year old local boy, who was uninjured, was arrested on suspicion of burglary and failing to stop for police, and is currently in custody for interview and further enquiries.

Inspector Anita Turner said: “The arrest and recovery followed excellent teamwork by officers in spotting the vehicle, following it and keeping it in sight, and carrying out a thorough search for the driver.”

‘Man arrested’ after Hastings manhunt with police helicopter

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