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Further Appeal for help from
the West Midlands Police
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Following the arson attack on the police helicopter at 2 am on
the morning of Monday 8th June 2009 at old Elmdon site at
Birmingham Airport, the West Midlands Police have issued
a further appeal for help which is set out below.
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If any one has seen a motor bike like this in the area of the
airport could they please ring the Airport Police Manpads
phone number 0121 712 6151, email them at
or contact the numbers below
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DETECTIVES hunting an arsonist who set fire to the West Midlands
Police force helicopter today issued this picture of a bike similar to
one used in the attack.
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Officers revealed that the hunt for whoever destroyed the £4.3
million helicopter is “making good progress”.
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But they want to hear from anyone who may have seen the
distinctive yellow and white bike in the north Birmingham and
Chelmsley Wood area prior to the attack.
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The Suzuki DZR 400cc pictured is identical to the one used by the
criminal, who breached the perimeter fence at the Elmdon airbase
near Sheldon in the early hours of Sunday.
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The helicopter, which plays a key role in aerial surveillance and
rapid response crime fighting, was extensively damaged in the arson.
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The burned out remains of the trials-type bike were found nearby,
giving the Solihull-based investigation team vital evidence.
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Chief Insp Mark Payne, head of the force press office, said: “We
want to hear from anyone who knows where this bike was kept in
the run-up to the incident.
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“The helicopter had flown hundreds of missions, caught countless
criminals and was a key tool in combating crime. This was a crime
against the whole community.”
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Police restored air cover above the West Midlands within two
hours of the incident and moves are already underway to bring
in a permanent replacement.
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Families in north Birmingham and Chelmsley Wood, in particular
Marston Green, Stechford and Bickenhill, could hold the key to
catching the offender.
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“Did you see a bike like this on a trailer or did you see it being
ridden in the area in the days or weeks leading up to the
offence?” asked CI Payne.
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“You might have had a bike like this stolen or you might be a
retailer who sold one recently. However small the piece of
information you have, it could be crucial.”
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Investigators are delighted with the early breakthrough in
identifying important facts about the bike and forensic
examinations are continuing.
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CI Payne said: “We are talking to manufacturers, studying CCTV
and that, combined with identifying the precise make of the bike
so early, means we are making good progress.
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“Now we need the public to play their part in casting their minds
back to remember if they have seen this bike on its travels.”
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Anyone with information is urged to call the investigation team on
0845 113 5000 or call the Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111.