Three men have been arrested after a stolen vehicle pursuit through Salford in which bricks were allegedly thrown at police cars and knives were later recovered.

Officers from Greater Manchester Police’s Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit (TVIU) spotted the vehicle on Cromwell Road at around 9.50pm on Sunday, 18 May. Police say the car had previously been reported stolen from the Tameside area and was displaying false number plates.

As officers attempted to follow the vehicle, the occupants allegedly began throwing bricks at a marked police vehicle, forcing the first pursuing officers to pull over due to safety concerns. A second TVIU vehicle then continued the pursuit.

Police said more bricks were thrown during the incident, putting officers and other road users at “significant risk”.

The vehicle was eventually abandoned and the suspects fled on foot. At around 10pm, officers located three men nearby on Nursery Street in Salford.

Following searches, police recovered knives from the suspects, which were seized at the scene.

The three men, all aged in their 20s, were arrested on suspicion of taking a motor vehicle without consent, criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon. They remain in custody while enquiries continue.

Inspector Tony Allt, from GMP’s Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit, said: “This was a good piece of work that brought a dangerous situation to a swift conclusion. We will always take a firm and robust approach to tackling criminal behaviour that puts communities at risk.

“The theft of motor vehicles has a significant impact on victims, and the presence of knives makes incidents like this even more dangerous. The carrying of weapons is often linked to wider criminality and serious harm.

“We cannot have this type of behaviour on our streets. Those involved in vehicle crime, violence or weapon-related offences should expect a decisive police response and to be held accountable.”