Four men have been arrested following a violent burglary in Gillingham, which led to a police pursuit and a dramatic standoff on a London rooftop.
The incident began at around 9 p.m. on Thursday, January 2, when Kent Police were called to reports of men attempting to force entry into a property on Balmoral Road. Two occupants of the home were allegedly attacked during the burglary and were later taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
As officers launched an investigation, two suspects fled the scene and were later spotted by Metropolitan Police in Brightfield Road, Lee, at around 9:20 p.m.. A police pursuit ensued, but the men abandoned their vehicle and climbed onto a rooftop in Hedgley Street, refusing to come down.
Emergency services, including police and firefighters, swarmed the area as officers worked to negotiate with the suspects to ensure their safe descent and arrest.
A Kent Police spokesperson confirmed the arrests, stating:
*”Kent Police was called at 9 p.m. on Thursday, January 2, to a report that some men were trying to force their way into a property in Balmoral Road, Gillingham. Patrols attended the scene, where two occupants alleged they had been assaulted. They were treated by paramedics and taken to a local hospital with injuries that are not described as life-threatening.
An investigation was commenced, and four men were later arrested following a vehicle pursuit in London. The suspects, aged between 19 and 28, remain in police custody.”*
Authorities have yet to confirm if any stolen items were recovered, and investigations remain ongoing.
