Copter joins the force

A new £4.3m force helicopter swooped into action with Greater Manchester Police yesterday.

The state-of-the-art MD 902 Explorer landed at its base in Barton and replaces the previous model, now seven years old.

The aircraft is fitted with the latest high definition daylight and thermal imaging camera systems. This will provide high quality images of criminals in action and play a significant part in successful prosecutions.

Sergeant Phil Rainford, unit executive officer at GMP’s air support unit said: “We will continue to make a valuable and significant contribution to detecting offenders, reducing and preventing crime, reassuring the public and reducing the amount of hours spent searching large areas.”

Police say the previous helicopter played an invaluable role in policing Greater Manchester. Last year alone, it carried out nearly 5,500 assignments and was integral in the arrest of 700 criminals.