Van driver stops to help armed police catch a suspect in Kent

Video shows the moment a British van driver made a split-second decision to help an armed cop catch a suspect on the run.

The pursuit in Thanet, Kent unfolded on June 16 when a suspect wanted for serious assault fled officers on foot.

In chaotic bodycam footage, a van driver pulls up alongside one of the cops and says, “get in the back”.

The officer hops in the van, saying “go, go, go”, as the driver steps on the gas.

The van speeds past the other chasing officers and suspect before the officer gets out and, rifle aimed, manages to cut off the alleged offender’s escape route.

“Cheers for your help. We’ll get on with doing the rest and thank you very much for your assistance,” the officer tells the driver during a handshake after the arrest has been made.

“No problem, glad I could be of service. That was quite exhilerating,” the driver responds.

He has since been recommended for a commendation by the force.

Kent Police Armed Policing Superintendent Will Lay said the suspect may have escaped if not for the quick thinking of the van driver.

“A violent offender who was being relentlessly pursued, and was seeking to evade capture, came close to losing patrols in a nearby park,” Mr Lay said.

“However, our armed officers remained committed.

“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.