Two police officers will be awarded a Chief Constable’s commendation after their relentless work secured the sentencing of two gang members, who were subject to a national manhunt over armed robberies totalling hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Greater Manchester Police Constables Daniel Kabal and Chris Kitson sought permission to pursue Lee Seddon and Phillip Fisher, who were categorised as the two most wanted men in the UK.
Other members of the pair’s gang were arrested, but Seddon and Fisher remained at large, continuing to commit high valued armed robberies.
However, PC Kitson and PC Kabal remained persistent and while conducting investigations at the address of one of Seddon’s associates in Lancashire, the officers spotted two males in a Vauxhall Astra van outside and believed them to be the fugitives.
Due to circumstances beyond their control, officers from Lancashire were unable to assist and GMP were initially hesitant to deploy resources outside of the force.
The two officers persuaded the force to allow their resources to be deployed in Lancashire and while PC Kitson observed the two males, PC Kabal met colleagues from the intercept unit on the border of Lancashire and GMP and devised a plan to apprehend them.
PC Kitson watched the two males getting into their vehicle and PC Kabal tasked two of his colleagues to covertly follow them while he devised a plan to disable the vehicle.
Seddon and Fisher were followed heading towards Bolton town centre and a pursuit ensued ending in Seddon being arrested but Fisher evaded capture.
Following a five hour break, the officers returned to resume the manhunt. Fisher was eventually found hiding under a bed at a house in Bolton and arrested.
Seddon and Fisher were charged in connection with a series of violent armed robberies and were sentenced to 13 years four months and 12 years respectively with a further lengthy licence period upon their release.
Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “PC Kitson and PC Kabal showed tremendous dedication and professionalism in their relentless pursuit of Seddon and Fisher.
“Their tenacity meant the two offenders were captured, ensuring the public were kept safe from these criminals”.
“Both officers went beyond what is expected in pursuit of two dangerous and prolific criminals. They demonstrated exemplary tenacity and leadership and worked long hours. I am proud to award them with a Chief Constable’s commendation.”
PC Kabal said: “Lee Seddon and Phillip Fisher struck fear into innocent members of the public during their violent and prolific crime spree.
“Once we became aware of Seddon and Fisher and the violent offences they were committing, we were determined not to give up the hunt for them until they were behind bars.
“This is an excellent example of teamwork between GMP and Lancashire constabulary and sends a clear message to those who prey on the vulnerable to commit organised and violent crime in our communities.
“We’re watching, we will find you wherever you go and we will not give up until you have been brought to justice.”
Photo: PC Daniel Kabal (left) and Chief Constable Ian Hopkins
