Child injured during dramatic police chase involving helicopter through Bristol

A child has been injured after a dramatic police chase involving a helicopter through south Bristol this morning.

Police say a 20-year-old was driving dangerously throughout the city, crashing into a bus and police car while on the wrong side of a road.

The suspect got out of the stolen vehicle and ran into Arnos Court Park in Brislington, where he was caught by police on foot and arrested.

But during the pursuit a child on a bike sustained minor injuries after being involved in a collision with a police vehicle, with the incident now to be reviewed by an inspector.

An Avon & Somerset Police spokesperson said: "We were informed by Devon and Cornwall Police shortly after 5.45am today (Wednesday 17 January) of a suspected stolen vehicle entering our policing area.

"Officers located the vehicle in south Bristol at around 7.30am.

"The vehicle was seen driving dangerously throughout the city, colliding with other vehicles, including a double-decker bus and a police car, and driving the wrong way on one-way roads. 

"The driver got out the vehicle and ran into Arnos Vale Park, in Brislington.

"A 20-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, two counts of theft of a motor vehicle, failing to stop, going equipped for theft of a motor vehicle, possession of class B drugs (cannabis) and driving while unfit through drugs.

"The National Police Air Service, dog units, tactical roads policing units and local police officers supported with the response."

The spokesperson added: "During the pursuit, a police vehicle was involved in a collision with a child on a bike.

"The officer stopped and remained with the child who sustained minor injuries until their parents arrived.

"They are now being supported by officers from the roads policing team, and the officer involved is also receiving support. 

"The collision will now be reviewed by an Inspector as is standard practice."

Anyone in the south Bristol area who recalls seeing anything which could aid the police's investigation, or has any relevant footage, is asked to contact 101 and quote reference 5224013721.