SWINDON, UK – Jamie Loveridge, 29, is due in court after a dramatic rooftop standoff led to his arrest on charges of bike theft and a public order offence, Wiltshire Police confirmed.
Loveridge, who had been wanted for theft, failing to appear in court, and recall to prison, was the subject of a police appeal on Friday, May 9. Later that day, officers were alerted by staff at a local bank near Regent Circus that the suspect—who had gained attention on social media—had been spotted in the area.
Police responded and tracked the suspect to Crombey Street, where he fled on foot and climbed onto a roof. There, he reportedly threw bricks and roof tiles at officers. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Negotiators, along with emergency medical services and the fire and rescue service, responded to the incident. The street was closed to ensure public and officer safety. Eventually, the man was safely brought down from the rooftop and arrested on suspicion of theft, three counts of assault on officers, and recall to prison.
On Sunday, May 11, police confirmed that Loveridge, who has no fixed address, was formally charged with:
Two counts of bicycle theft
One count under Section 4 of the Public Order Act
He was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Monday, May 11.
Police praised the coordinated response of multiple agencies in resolving the incident without injuries.
