A dramatic police chase unfolded in the streets of Southeast London, ending in the arrest of a teenager found in possession of a large machete. The incident, which involved a short pursuit through the backstreets, began when officers from the Metropolitan Police’s targeted crime team spotted the male suspect around 4pm on Saturday 10th February 2024.

According to police reports, the suspect initially fled from officers on moped, leading them on a chase around the backstreets of Southeast London. The pursuit escalated when the teenager, attempted to evade capture. However, the chase came to an abrupt end when the suspect collided with a car.

Despite the collision, the teenager is not believed to have sustained serious injuries. Upon arrest, he was found to be carrying a large machete.

Police have yet to disclose the motivation behind the suspect’s actions or whether he was under the influence at the time of the incident.

In response to the chase and subsequent arrest, a road closure was implemented at Lordship Lane at the junction with East Dulwich Grove Road. The Metropolitan Police have initiated an investigation into the incident, and efforts to gather more information are ongoing.

The Metropolitan Police have called for witnesses or anyone with information about the chase to come forward to assist with the investigation. The incident has raised concerns about youth crime and the possession of weapons in London, prompting discussions on how to better safeguard the community and prevent future occurrences.

This arrest underscores the challenges that officers face daily and highlights the dangers of weapon possession among young people in the area. The Metropolitan Police have reassured the public that they are taking the necessary steps to address these issues and ensure the safety of all residents.

Further details about the incident and the suspect’s custody status will be released as the investigation progresses. The Metropolitan Police are urging anyone with information to contact them or to report anonymously via Crime Stoppers.

A spokesman for the Met Police said: Shortly after 3.40pm on Saturday, 10 February a man was arrested in Lordship Lane, SE22, following a police pursuit.
The man, who crashed a moped he was travelling on, was detained with a large knife. Before being taken to hospital, he was taken to hospital to be treated for a head injury. His condition has been assessed as non-life-threatening.