THREE suspected burglars from Bradford were due to appear in court today following a huge police operation to track them down.

It came after officers were deployed to search an area and came across a suspicious vehicle which failed to stop.

Following a pursuit, a police car was hit before the vehicle went off-road to make its escape.

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) was called to assist with the search and located the vehicle abandoned in a wooded area near to Wetherby Service Station.

Shortly after, the helicopter team located three people in a nearby field and directed officers on the ground towards them.

One of the men was quickly detained and arrested by an officer and dog from the force’s Dogs Section, just before two others were located hidden up a tree and arrested by other units.

Detective Superintendent Steve Thomas, North Yorkshire Police’s Commander for Harrogate and Craven, said: “This was a huge team effort between North Yorkshire Police’s Response teams, Roads Policing Group, Dogs Section, Firearms Unit, Force Control Room, Investigation Hub and greatly assisted by team at NPAS.

“It was an excellent result which demonstrated policing at it’s very best – three arrested and suspected stolen property recovered.

“A huge thanks to all involved and an extra mention to police dog Bobby who was celebrating his third birthday when he caught the first suspect running away and trying to climb over a 6ft fence, good lad.”

All three men from Bradford, aged 27, 29 and 47, were charged with three separate burglaries other than dwelling and aggravated vehicle taking.

They were remanded in custody to appear at York Magistrates’ Court today.

Officers are now appealing to anyone who was driving between Plompton and the A1 between 3am and 4am on Wednesda, January 15, who witnessed a silver Toyota Hilux being followed by police vehicles, or has any CCTV or dash-cam taken in the area at the time to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101.

Please quote reference 12200008050 when providing any information.