Town centre locked down in manhunt after car crash - as cops appeal to suspect

A town centre has been sealed off with a manhunt underway for a driver who crashed during a police chase.

Police in Heywood, Rochdale, said a 'serious weapon' has also been taken off the streets during the incident. Officers say they know who the wanted man is and in a tongue-in-cheek post on social media said: "One way or another, we're going to find you. We love nothing more than a game of cat and mouse - and our traps are set."

A cordon was in place on Friday afternoon through the busy shopping centre of Heywood on the A58. Greater Manchester Police said neighbourhood officers came across a suspected stolen car, a silver Vauxhall Astra, 'while conducting enquiries'. It crashed after a 'short pursuit', the force added. There have been no reports of any injuries. In a later post on social media, police confirmed 'we have taken a serious weapon off the street and a stolen car', reports the Manchester Evening News.

In their Facebook post, police in Heywood added: "Good afternoon all, just wanted to update you on an ongoing incident in the town centre right now. Your neighbourhood officers whilst conducting enquiries came across a suspected stolen car and after a short pursuit, it has crashed. There is an increase in officers looking for the offender, who is on foot trying to evade us and yes we know who he is.

"One way or another, we're going to find you, we love nothing more than a game of cat and mouse and our traps are set. To everyone else, please can we ask you be patient whilst we have some traffic diversions on for the next hour or so." No further details have been revealed.

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