Police issue update after helicopter seen above Melton

Police have confirmed that a helicopter seen above the Melton area yesterday was being used to locate a suspect who fled after reports of a vehicle being damaged in Stoughton in the Harborough District.

The helicopter was spotted in the Burton Road area around 3pm on Sunday afternoon and was in the area for about 10 minutes before moving on.

A spokesperson for the National Police Air Service (NPAS) who operate the aircraft on behalf of UK police forces said: "At 1448hrs on 4 January 2026, a police helicopter crew from Husbands Bosworth were deployed to support Leicestershire Police in a search for a suspect vehicle in the Melton Mowbray and Loughborough areas."

A police helicopter was spotted above Melton on Sunday afternoon. Photo Credit: West Yorkshire Combined Authority/NPAS

Flying at average speeds of 138mph, the aircraft help save valuable time when every second counts. Whether it’s tracking suspects, supporting officers on the ground, or helping to locate vulnerable missing people, NPAS plays a vital role in keeping communities safe.

A spokesperson for Leicestershire Police added: "At 2pm yesterday (Sunday 4 January) police were called after a person was threatened and damage to a car was caused in Gaulby Lane, Stoughton, Leicester."

"The suspect had left the scene in another car prior to police arriving but officers, with the assistance of a police helicopter, were able to locate the vehicle in Loughborough."

A 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and under Section 4 of the Public Order Act.

He has been bailed pending further enquiries.