Dramatic footage as police scramble to intercept dangerous 'ride-out' through Leeds suburbs
Dramatic footage has showcased the moment ground and air police scrambled to intercept a dangerous “ride-out” through Leeds.
Officers on the ground and in the air worked together to tackle a group of motorcycles and quad bikes after reports of them being ridden dangerously through Leeds.
The ride-out on Sunday afternoon saw approximately eight bikes reported to have been weaving in and out of traffic, riding on pavements and speeding through red lights in the York Road area.
Chief Inspector James Farrar, head of the Roads Policing Unit, said: “We know that the anti-social and criminal use of off-road bikes is a big concern in our communities and that the public support us in taking firm action to tackle it.
“Dealing with such antisocial behaviour and denying criminals the use of the road remains one of our top priorities and it’s why we’ve invested in the specialist equipment to allow us the capability to do so. It also forms part of our Vision Zero ambitions to reduce the numbers of serious and fatal injury collisions on our roads.
“With the support of NPAS there is nowhere to hide and, as this incident shows, we will take robust action to stop these vehicles where it is safe and proportionate to do so.”
NPAS quickly spotted the group, with their Fixed Wing crew continuing to track them around Halton Moor and Temple Newsam in the police aeroplane. They guided the specialist Proactive Intercept Team (PIT) on the ground who deployed a marked police motorcycle to their location.
The bike believed to be leading the ride-out was pursued through Chapeltown before tactical contact was made to bring it to a stop. After a short foot chase, a 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving offences including dangerous driving. He has since been released on bail.