‘Off duty’ police officer gives a wanted man ‘one-way ticket’ to custody in chance Northumberland encounter

A wanted man ended up with a one-way ticket to custody after being spotted by an off-duty officer as he was waiting to board a train.

Yesterday (Thursday), a conscientious constable from one of Northumbria Police’s Northern Response Teams was waiting to board a carriage at Prudhoe Railway Station when he spotted a familiar face he knew to be wanted.

As police officers are never fully off-duty, he put a call into his colleagues who were swiftly en route.

Concerned that the train would leave before back-up arrived, the officer also worked with a guard on the platform to briefly halt the train’s departure and ensure the suspect could be detained.

Only minutes later, officers arrived on scene where a 37-year-old man was swiftly arrested in relation to a warrant which had been issued for failure to attend court.

He was taken into police custody and will now appear before the courts.

Chief Inspector Phillip Mcconville, of Northumbria Police, said: “Following outstanding work by our off-duty officer, a wanted suspect has now been arrested.

“The officer’s actions show that we are never fully off-duty and are ready and willing to respond when needed.

“His colleagues were on the scene within minutes to arrest the suspect swiftly and safely, with minimum disruption to members of the public.

“I’d also like to thank our colleagues on the railway platform who assisted the officer.

“This case should serve as a reminder to those trying to evade capture that we will always be looking to track you down.”

Anybody who sees anything suspicious in their area is asked to report it via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or by calling 101. If a crime is taking place, or in an emergency, always ring 999.