Getaway blunder is video smash

SHOPPERS look on as the hooded man gets up, falls twice and finally runs off.

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

Scroll down for Video

A SUSPECTED shoplifter has been caught on video being flung into the air by a car as he ran from a local supermarket.

The footage - which shows the man hitting the ground in Huddersfield Road, then getting up and staggering away — has been viewed thousands of times since the incident occurred in September.

The clip, believed to have been shot by a taxi driver, is thought to be related to the theft of alcohol from the nearby Asda store. The alleged thief is seen apparently being chased by a store employee, who raises his hands in shock as the man is struck by the car.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed they are still looking for the hooded man.

A spokesman said: “The Force is aware of footage on YouTube. It is believed the man is the person wanted in connection with the theft of alcohol.”

In an unexpected turn, the store employee could face disciplinary action over the incident. Employees of many stores are not allowed to approach offenders once they have left store premises. Asda declined to comment on the case or the status of the employee.

An spokeswoman said: “We would never want our colleagues to put themselves or anyone else in harm’s way.”

Information about the incident can be offered to police anonymously on 0800 555111.


OUR website carries heavily edited versions of stories only available in full in our print and eChron editions
Follow us on Twitter: @OldhamChronicle