West Midlands Chief Constable falls in canal after chase following robbery
The head of West Midlands Police fell into a canal during a chase following a knifepoint robbery.
Chief Constable Dave Thompson ended up in the water off Northbrook Street, Birmingham, while retrieving knives which suspects threw in the canal.
Officers from Ladywood Neighbourhood team - who were joined on patrol by the chief constable - were responding to a report of a 16-year-old boy being robbed at knifepoint on Wednesday at 7.10pm.
Three teenage boys were arrested following the incident in nearby Summerfield Park.
A spokesperson from West Midlands Police said: "Officers chased the suspects and a bag was thrown into the canal off Northbrook Street before they were caught and detained.
"As the chief constable retrieved the bag he fell into the water but was quickly helped out by officers.
"A lock knife was found on the ground and two kitchen knives were discovered inside the bag.
"A 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and possession of a bladed article.
"Two others boys, aged 13 and 14, have been detained on suspicion of robbery, and all remain in custody for questioning.
"The 16-year-old victim was left shaken but not injured and his own bag, which was taken in the robbery and contained personal belongings, was retrieved."
