Updated: Police officer injured while arresting suspected metal thieves (From York Press)

Police officer injured while arresting suspected metal thieves at Malton Industrial Estate

11:40am Friday 21st September 2012 in News By Dan Bean, dan.bean@thepress.co.uk

A POLICE officer was injured in a dramatic chase involving dog handlers and a helicopter team before three people were arrested for suspected metal theft.

It was one of two incidents within the past week where police have caught and arrested people suspected of stealing metal.

Officers went to Malton Industrial Estate at about 2.55am yesterday after a member of the public reported suspicious activity on the site.

Police followed a car which had been seen entering and leaving the estate on a number of occasions during the night. As it was being followed, the car stopped suddenly and reversed into the patrol car, leaving one officer with neck injuries.

Force dog handlers and helicopter support from Cleveland Police were called in after the suspect car was abandoned at premises in York Road, Malton, and officers traced the suspects to a property in York Road.

The officers recovered a large amount of steel cable, which was believed to have been stolen.

One man, aged 19 and from Ipswich, along with a 20-year-old and 17-year-old, both from Malton, were arrested at the scene and remained in police custody for questioning.

The injured police officer was taken to York Hospital for checks, but was not believed to have been seriously hurt.

Sergeant Richard Mallinson, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “This was an excellent result and shows how information from the public can greatly assist the police.

“It also highlights the potential dangers faced by police officers every day. Thankfully, in this instance, the officer did not suffer serious injuries.”

Anyone in the area who noticed any suspicious activity should phone North Yorkshire Police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

Meanwhile, a 16-year-old was among four people arrested for allegedly stealing lead from a stretch of railway line in East Yorkshire.

Humberside Police said the four were “caught in the act” stealing from the line near Meadow Road in Driffield, following reports of men stealing metal and using a wheelbarrow at 3pm last Friday.

Police said a blue Transit van was also found near the scene and the driver and passenger were arrested in connection with the theft.

A spokesman said one of the men became “extremely violent” and spat blood at two of the officers and attempted to headbutt another.

Chief Superintendent Rich Kerman said: “This is an excellent example of the type of work our officers deal with on a daily basis and demonstrates excellent support and team work between officers from different departments and ranks.

“I am always encouraged when action is taken as a direct result of a suspicious sighting, and would urge anyone who witnesses anything suspicious to call the police.”

The four arrested people were aged 16, 19, 20 and 21.

The case has now been handed to British Transport Police.