Great-great-grandmother, 92, asks to be arrested after ‘a life of being good’

A 92-year-old great-great-grandmother was arrested by police at her own request because she “wanted to know what it was like to be naughty”.

Josie Birds, from north Manchester, requested to be taken into custody by officers as she said she had been good all her life.

The experience was organised by a family friend and two off-duty officers came to her house on Saturday afternoon.

Her granddaughter Pam Smith said: “They accused her of robbing a Co-op and her response was, ‘I don’t do my shopping in Co-op’.

“They put her in handcuffs and took her to the police station in the back of the van, where they ‘questioned’ her rigorously.

“She wanted to go into the cells too, but they drew the line at that and gave her tea and cake instead. She was lit up all day Sunday talking about it, and she is still excited about her experience.”

Greater Manchester Police responded to Ms Smith on Twitter and said: “I’m glad our officers could help out, looks like she got the full experience!

“Give our best to Josie and I’ll try and pass your message back to the officers who kindly helped out.”

Ms Birds, who has six daughters, 20 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, worked at Avro Energy, where she met her husband Alf.

After she retired she worked in a local shop for a number of years.

Ms Smith said: “Most people who have commented have sent their best wishes to her and think she’s a brave lady. The family agree — she is brave and she is a wonderful inspiration to everyone who knows her.

“We are all so very grateful to Greater Manchester Police for being so agreeable to take part in this surprise for her. It really has made an old lady very happy.”