Five arrested after quad bike chase

Officers from the Souh Yorkshire off-road team were called into action when they received calls on Saturday afternoon reporting off-road vehicles driving in a dangerous and anti-social manner. 

The pursuit of around 30 off-road bikes and quads being driven illegally started around the Manor area of Sheffield and continued across the city and into Rotherham, said a police spokeswoman. 

Three riders were stopped and arrested, with a further five reported on summons to appear before court at a later date.

The spokeswoman added: “Continuing in their disruption, officers sighted a further two quad bikes, again the riders failed to stop and a pursuit commenced from the Manor and into and around Rotherham.

“The riders continued to travel at speeds, through red lights and contraflow to traffic, including on the M18 slip road.”

A 39-year-old man was arrested in woodland near Wickersley after a bike was stopped there, while a second bike was abandoned in Brecks.

The rider tried to flee but was caught and arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and driving offences.

His quad bike is reported to be stolen from the West Yorkshire area. 

“Those arrested have since been released under investigation,” the spokeswoman said.

Throughout the afternoon, a total of 11 vehicles were seized. 

Officers were supported by a helicopter from the National Police Air Service.

Roads policing officer Sgt Matt Duffy, said: “Our communities tell us that off-road bikes are a problem and we understand the nuisance and fear they cause.

“This type of behaviour will not be tolerated in South Yorkshire and we will use all powers available to us to stop the driving and bring the offenders before the courts.”

Anyone with dash-cam footage of those involved in last Saturday’s ride is asked to call 101 or email it to [email protected].