Robbery suspect found in Mansfield by police drone pilot

Officers were called to Commercial Gate in Mansfield after reports of an attempted knife‑point robbery at about 11.30pm on Wednesday, February 25.

The victims, who were sitting in a car at the time, were unhurt.

Two people were followed on CCTV and immediately fled when confronted by officers.

One suspect was detained a short time later after being found hiding in a bush near St Peter’s Way.

A second suspect was located shortly afterwards with the help of a police drone pilot, who used a thermal imaging camera to spot them lying in undergrowth near the Church Lane car park.

A 16‑year‑old boy and a 16-year-old girl were arrested on suspicion of robbery.

Inspector Chris Chell, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was a frightening incident for the victims, who reported an attempt to steal their car.

“In response, Operational Support officers quickly flooded the area and were soon able to locate a suspect.

“With the help of a drone pilot and thermal imaging camera, we were soon able to catch up with a second suspect, who may well have avoided detection without this very powerful technology.”