POLICE launched a dramatic helicopter chase after cable was reported stolen from Alton Towers.

The theme park's electrical technicians team leader, Steve Lampitt, saw two men acting suspiciously in a storage building at around 12.45pm last Thursday.

When challenged, the men drove off, pursued by Mr Lampitt, of Cheadle, and the resort's in-house security staff.

Staffordshire Police immediately sent out its Air One helicopter, which tracked the vehicle in the direction of Cheadle.

A transit van was soon found abandoned in Leek Road, near the JCB factory.

One man, from Bolton, was arrested and released on bail pending further inquiries until late November.

A second man was arrested and remains in custody.

Alton Towers has praised the swift action of the police to secure an arrest. A spokesman said: "The response from the police was exemplary. Not only did we have support on the ground but the force helicopter was sent to assist and I think was instrumental in identifying the men as they tried to leave the area."

Bosses at the resort have also stressed the importance of park security.

The spokesman said: "The value of the items that were reported missing was not high but even so, we were pleased to recover them.

"We take site security very seriously so it is particularly gratifying that the swift actions of our team led to the police apprehending two men."

Rob Mozelewski, of Highfield Avenue, Cheadle, watched in amazement as police officers swarmed through the market town.

The 24-year-old said: "There must have been about 30 police officers coming down the road and the helicopter was overhead for around half an hour.

"It is such a quiet neighbourhood that to see such an operation was a shock."

A spokesman for Staffordshire Police confirmed: "We received a call at 12.45pm regarding the theft of cable from Alton Towers.

"Two offenders had left the scene in a white transit van, which was found abandoned near the JCB factory in Leek Road, Cheadle.

"The force helicopter Air One was notified to help the search and we also deployed officers on the ground."