Eggsciting end to Capel Easter egg hunt

Quick-thinking youngsters found an ingenious way of directing a helicopter crew towards fleeing burglars.
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Apr 2016, 16:16 BST
Updated 2nd Apr 2016, 09:11 BST

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Photo courtesy of Surrey PolicePhoto courtesy of Surrey Police
Photo courtesy of Surrey Police

They formed a human arrow in a field, pointing the way to the fugitives.

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) crew in the aircraft relayed the information to Surrey Police officers on the ground.

Two men were arrested.

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Around 30 adults and children were taking part in a traditional Easter egg hunt around 2pm on Friday March 25, when they spotted the NPAS helicopter circling overhead.

The helicopter had been called by Surrey Police after intruders were reported at a disused building off Horsham Road, Capel.

The children and parents soon realised they were witnessing a police pursuit. A group of children in the middle of a ploughed field quickly formed an arrow on the ground to guide the helicopter in the direction of the fleeing pair.

NPAS Sergeant Paul Sochon said: “I’m sure the last thing the group of daring Capel residents expected when they set out on Friday afternoon was to abandon their Easter egg hunt to assist us in a police search but the initiative they demonstrated proved to be invaluable.

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“The swift action taken by the group of parents and their children was the sort of thing you would usually associate with an Enid Blyton adventure but their ingenuity proved a great help for our crews.

“As a thank you for their efforts the NPAS crew landed nearby to thank the children for the role they played in the incident and they even shared a few chocolate treats with the team which was an added bonus after a busy shift.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information can call Surrey Police on 101, quoting reference 45160024070, or call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A 28-year-old man and a 27-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of burglary. Both men were released on bail until Friday, May 13 while the investigation continues.

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