Durham constabulary helped save a woman in danger after getting in touch with another police unit from more than 3,000 miles away.
On Wednesday afternoon (9 February), Durham police was contacted via online chat by a distressed woman who reported that an intruder was trying to get into her home in Durham.
Only issue - the victim was referring to Durham... in Canada.
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According to police, the distraught victim typed: "I need help, he is going to come, he is in the house," before falling silent.
Despite contacting a different Durham police force, in a different country, she kept the chat open where officials were able to think quick on their feet.
Control room colleagues were able to contact officers at Durham regional police service in the province of Ontario.
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After being notified, Canadian officers were sent to the town of Ajax, where they found a 35-year-old man inside the home.
The suspect who refused to obey the officers' requests was tasered as a result.
The man was arrested just 30 minutes after his victim had contacted the wrong police force.
Durham Police tweeted: "Our quick-thinking control room team helped save a woman 3,000 miles away after an intruder got into her home.
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"We were contacted on Wednesday on our online Live Chat facility by a distressed woman who reported an intruder trying to get into her home in Durham, Canada."
They added: "A 35-year-old man was arrested and charged with a string of offences including breaking and entering, assault, forcible confinement and disobeying a lawful order of court.
"The woman received medical treatment for her injuries."
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Insp Andrea Arthur, head of the force control room, said: "This was an unusual incident and a very distressing situation for the victim.
"But the team remained calm and managed to help our Canadian colleagues resolve the situation quickly and professionally.
"If we can assist in rescuing a vulnerable victim in immediate danger, regardless of where they live, we will do all we can to help.
"In this case, we’re glad to learn there has been an arrest and, more importantly, the victim is out of danger and receiving the help she needs."
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LADbible have contacted Durham Constabulary for comment.
Anish Vij