A man and a woman have been arrested after a police chase involving a helicopter following the armed robbery of a car in Atherton.

The pair were arrested on suspicion of stealing a white Audi TT at knifepoint on Tyldesley Road after a 20-minute chase that saw units from both Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Specialist Operations Traffic Unit and Wigan Division come together.

The pursuit ended in Westhougton at The Fairways, located in the new Royal Bowland Park development.

Residents and onlookers reported a helicopter overhead.

A GMP spokesperson said: "At around 12am on Saturday November 19, officers from GMP Specialist Operations Traffic Unit and Wigan Division came together in a 20-minute pursuit of a suspected stolen Audi TT along Tyldesley Road in Atherton.

"The pursuit culminated in the apprehension of a 29-year-old man and 28-year-old woman on suspicion of having stolen the vehicle earlier that evening at knifepoint. 

"On inspection, it was revealed that the man was a disqualified driver, and he was further arrested on suspicion of multiple road traffic and robbery offences.

"Both remain in police custody for questioning."