Police officers responding to a call in Tameside, Greater Manchester arrived at the location three males ‘tried to leave’ the property, with one escaping through a lower balcony
A teenager is fighting for his life in hospital after falling from a balcony at a 12-storey block of flats while fleeing police.
Greater Manchester Police were called to a block of flat on Bentinck Street in Ashton, Tameside on Saturday, May 31. It came after police recieved reports of a ‘group of males with machetes making threats towards individuals’ at the location.
Upon arrival, at around 7.20pm, officers gave chase to three males who ‘tried to leave’ the property, with one of the three escaping through a lower balcony. The 19-year-old who fell from the balcony sustained serious injuries.
While it is not clear exactly how far the teenager fell police said it was from an ‘upper balcony from height’. A 14-year-old boy was also seriously injured in the same fall. North West Ambulance service rushed to the scene to treat the injured teenagers and transported them to hospital.
Footage from the scene shows a large emergency service presence at the scene with a number of police cars near the front entrance of Bentinck House, a 12 storey tower block on the outskirts of Ashton town centre. Police confirmed three people have been arrested and drugs and a weapon have also been seized, reports Manchester Evening News.
Witnesses reported seeing armed police and an air ambulance at the scene.
Det Supt Gareth Jenkins from the Tameside District confirmed a 14-year-old and a 19-year-old were taken to hospital. He said: “The two injured parties, aged 14 and 19, have been taken to hospital for treatment of serious injuries, with the older male in a critical condition. These males are under the detention of officers pending their medical treatment, and another male has been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs.
“Enquiries are ongoing to determine all of those involved and the full circumstances of what has happened in the lead up to the incident. Suspected drugs and a weapon have been recovered. A small scene remains in place at the property and residents in the area should expect to see further police activity.
“Anyone with any information which has not yet been provided to us, or with any concerns, should speak to officers on the ground. I’d like to reassure the community that this incident is believed to be between individuals known to one another, with no wider risk to the community.”
Police are looking for any witnesses to come forward with any information that could aid their inquiries. Anyone with information is being urged to call 101 quoting incident number 2849 of May 31 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
The Mirror has contacted Greater Manchester Police and North West Ambulance Service for a condition update on the two injured teenagers.