Armed officers arrested four people within minutes of a 999 call reporting a robbery at gunpoint last week
Police received a report from a distressed victim in the Tinsley area, who said a man had stepped in front of his car before leaning through the window, removing the ignition key, and producing what was believed to be a firearm.
The victim was ordered to leave his vehicle, which the suspect then drove away, leaving him stranded in the street.
Officers immediately began tracking the stolen vehicle. Within just 25 minutes of the initial call, armed police located and safely stopped the car in the Broom area of Rotherham.
Two men, aged 21 and 22, an 18-year-old woman, and a 17-year-old girl were arrested on suspicion of robbery and taken into custody.
Following a search of the vehicle and those detained, no firearm was recovered. Enquiries into the incident, which took place on Tuesday 14 October, remain ongoing.
A dramatic video released by police shows the moment armed officers carried out the arrests, highlighting the speed and precision of their response.
Chief Inspector Jon Greaves praised the professionalism and quick actions of officers, saying:
โOur armed officers are trained professionals and ready to respond in real time to threats involving dangerous weapons on our streets.
Incidents of this nature are treated extremely seriously in order to protect the public, who can expect a swift response in apprehending those suspected of being involved in gun crime or associated serious criminality, including robberies.
From the moment the call was received, officers on the ground liaised with call handlers to quickly track down the vehicle and bring it to a stop, preventing any further harm or risk of harm to the public.
We will continue to relentlessly pursue those who pose a danger to our communities and react swiftly to reports of anyone suspected of being armed with a dangerous weapon.โ
