Our incredible story, told by the crew of kids who helped catch criminals: proof that heroism has no age limit!
They became internet sensations overnight—a group of youngsters christened the “Tremendous Twelve” who used nothing but their wits and teamwork to guide a police helicopter straight to two fleeing burglary suspects. Their ingenious solution? Forming themselves into a giant human arrow.
True to the spirit of classic adventure tales, this plucky group even had their faithful four-legged companion along for the ride: Molly, a spirited Yorkshire terrier.
Speaking exclusively about their extraordinary escapade, the children—whose adventure unfolded during what started as a simple Easter egg hunt—shared their excitement: “We’re really proud of ourselves. The whole thing was absolutely amazing.”
The drama began in an open field near Capel, Surrey, where the group, ranging from six to twelve years old, had gathered for their seasonal treasure hunt when they noticed something unusual overhead.
One nine-year-old girl recalled the moment vividly: “There was this incredibly loud noise above us, and when we looked up, we could clearly see ‘police’ written on the helicopter’s underside. That’s when we spotted someone sprinting along the field’s edge. We watched him yank off his jumper and wrap it around his head.”
The children immediately tried making themselves heard to the aircraft above.
Despite their best efforts—shouting and waving frantically—the helicopter seemed to be facing the wrong direction entirely, missing the suspect’s movements.
“That’s when a couple of us had the idea,” she explained. “Someone yelled, ‘Let’s make an arrow!’ and we all dropped to the ground and arranged ourselves into the shape.”
The impromptu formation worked. After lying in position for roughly sixty seconds, the children watched as the helicopter banked toward them.
Thanks to the aerial guidance from the police crew, officers on the ground successfully apprehended both suspects—aged 27 and 28.
The pair were taken into custody for questioning regarding a burglary at a local farm.
“At first, the police thought we were just messing about,” another nine-year-old shared. “But they followed where our arrow pointed, and they got their men. We feel really proud.”
Footage captured from the helicopter—showing the moment the pilot spotted the children’s human directional marker—was later shared by Surrey Police, catapulting the youngsters to viral fame.
Ben Brearley, father to one of the young heroes, described the aftermath to reporters: “The kids were absolutely brilliant and they’ve loved all the excitement that’s come from it. Everyone keeps saying it’s like something straight out of Scooby Doo or an Enid Blyton adventure. The children think that’s fantastic.”
Surrey Police Sergeant Paul Sochon summed it up perfectly: “The quick thinking these kids showed made all the difference.”