Huge police operation in Kingswood ends with arrest after burglary at Wick Football Club

A dramatic police chase following a disturbed burglary at a football club came to an end in Kingswood in the early hours of this morning (August 31). Dozens of people posted messages on social media over a National Police Air Service helicopter involved in the pursuit.

Officials at Wick Football Club were this morning counting the cost of the damage caused to a door of their remote club house in Oldbury Lane, Wick, after the theft of alcohol - some of which was later recovered by police.

It all started at just after 1am when a neighbour to Wick Football Club came home to find a van blocking their driveway, according to club vice chairman Dave Beer. When they went to ask the owners to move the vehicle it became apparent that a burglary was taking place.

No money was at the site to be stolen, but alcohol was taken and a television was left on the floor outside.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said officers attended the club before receiving a further call reporting suspicious activity in Witcombe Close in Kingswood which led them to a van matching the description of the suspect vehicle involved in the clubhouse break-in.

A man in his 40s was detained nearby with the help of a National Police Air Service helicopter at around 1.30am. He was arrested on suspicion of burglary and remains in police custody.

Meanwhile, some people in the area woke up this morning to find damage. A woman who lives in Fairford Close opposite Witcombe Close found her garden fence damaged.

The full statement on the incident from police read: “A man has been arrested after witnesses alerted police to a suspected burglary in Wick overnight. The caller rang just after 1am on Wednesday 31 August to report that a van had been driven off from Oldbury Lane and it appeared that Wick Football Club had been broken into.

“Police attended and confirmed the club had been burgled with damage caused and alcohol stolen.

“A further call reporting suspicious activity in Witcombe Close, Kingswood, led officers to a van matching the description of the suspect vehicle. Alcohol was recovered from the vehicle.

“A man in his 40s was detained nearby at about 1.30am and subsequently arrested on suspicion of burglary. He remains in police custody at the time of writing. Officers searched the area with the support of the National Police Air Service helicopter.

“Enquiries including a forensic examination of the burgled property continue.”

Anyone who has information on the incident should call 101 and give the reference 5222209730. Alternatively they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or online at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information