Published at 19:23, Monday, 07 June 2010

Police today confirmed three of its unarmed officers saw mass killer Derrick Bird in Whitehaven – but said they never had the chance to stop him.

A neighbourhood officer based at the town’s police station in Scotch Street, next to Duke Street, heard shots at 10.33am and ran out to help, the force said.

When he saw Bird’s taxi with a shotgun pointing out of the passenger window he phoned force control and got into a passers-by car to follow the killer.

They then gave chase, providing updates on where Bird was.

In a statement issued this afternoon, the force detailed what happened next.

The statement said: “He travelled from Duke Street down Scotch Street and Lowther Street before turning right onto Coach Road where Bird was seen to slow down as he passed a taxi travelling in the opposite direction.

“As the two cars passed each other, the officer saw him shoot the driver of the other taxi.

“The officer immediately went to the assistance of the injured man by giving immediate first aid, treating serious injuries and ensuring all of their safety by moving him and his female passenger, who had also been shot, out of Bird’s line of sight.

“A double-crewed unarmed police van that was following behind them from Flatts Walk overtook to take up a position behind Bird’s taxi.

“It continued to follow Bird to provide sightings to the police control room and the armed response vehicles who were on their way to the scene.

“The officers in the van were able to follow under instructions from the force incident manager to provide information about Bird’s location, which they did.

“Bird then appeared to pull into a driveway, turned and pointed the gun directly at the unarmed officers.

“They were forced to protect themselves after it became clear they could not reverse due to the traffic that had built up behind them.

“We believe he then drove off at speed.”

The statement added: “Despite having just witnessed a shooting and having a gun pointed at them, the officers attempted to follow him and despite asking passers-by where he had driven, were unable to locate him again.

“They continued to stay in the area where further reports of Bird’s location were given.

“These officers were at the time unarmed and in a vehicle not suitable for a high speed pursuit.

“While they had no opportunity to bring an end to Bird’s rampage they provided valuable information regarding his whereabouts and likely route.

“They also provided immediate assistance to those shot and injured in the area.”

Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Hyde said: “Our officers are expected to deal with difficult and challenging situations.

“This incident was unprecedented and exceptional circumstances were fast-moving and highly dangerous.

“Had any officer or member of staff had the clear opportunity to stop Bird I am confident they would have taken it.”

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk