04 February 2023 , 22:22
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A police helicopter was spotted amidst a major manhunt for a fugitive with half an ear.
Residents in Leeds were alarmed at a heavy police presence as a force helicopter flew over the city centre earlier today, all part of a massive search for a criminal on the run.
Dale Poppleton was spotted in Bradford, triggering a frantic police search that saw them comb through Home Bargains and Leeds Railway Station.
The 41-year-old, one-and-a-half-eared crook is wanted in connection with a serious offence, and is thought to have connections not just in Bradford but all across the north of England.
At 1.30pm on Saturday, a police chopper was seen circling over parts of the centre of Leeds city as armed officers scoured the city.
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Police helicopters were spotted during the major hunt (Jaimie Kay)"Police are in Home Bargains and staff are outside unable to go in," one eyewitness said. "I've just seen them all near the train station," another added.
Officers since confirmed they conducted an extensive search for Poppleton, who has half his right ear, but he was not arrested.
Police would like members of the public to report if they see Poppleton, but are asked not to approach him.
In an updated statement, a spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police (WYP) told LeedsLive: "Police have renewed their appeal for a wanted man after a reliable sighting sparked a major search in Leeds city centre today.
"Officers received information around lunchtime in relation to Dale Poppleton, from Bradford, who is wanted in connection with a serious offence.
"Armed officers, supported by a National Police Air Service helicopter, were deployed to the vicinity of Leeds train station following the sighting. Despite an extensive search of the surrounding area, he was not located.
"Officers are continuing to appeal for any sightings of Poppleton in the area or any other information that could assist the investigation. Members of the public are advised not to approach him but to ring 999 immediately if they see him.”
Anyone with any information that could assist in establishing his current whereabouts is asked to contact officers via 101 quoting crime reference 13230018345.