Two men are arrested after dramatic moped chase through streets
TWO men were arrested after a dramatic moped chase through the streets of Littleborough and Rochdale.
It came after police received reports of youths riding stolen mopeds dangerously.
Witnesses reported seeing several police cars and the force helicopter chasing the motorbikes on Tuesday afternoon.
Police said that the incident began when youths on three mopeds were seen ‘driving erratically’ in Rochdale at about 1.50pm on Tuesday The chase came to an end on Halifax Road in Littleborough, when two men, aged 18 and 19, were arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.
Writing on Facebook one witness said: “I was queueing for traffic lights outside Aldi towards Bury Road. Had noticed helicopter.
“In opposite direction came a motorbike with two men wearing black, at high speed weaving in and out of traffic.
“Not a wide road so was a bit scary seeing the thing hurtling towards me. They were closely followed by three police cars plus a few seconds later, an unmarked car.”
Other witnesses reported seeing at least seven police cars chasing the mopeds through Littleborough, adding the riders were wearing balaclavas.
It was one of a spate of police chases involving stolen mopeds to take place in Greater Manchester this week.
On Tuesday police also attended a property on Tuesday on Evanton Walk, Harpurhey.
A 19-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy were been arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.
And on Wednesday attended properties on Swanley Avenue, Monsall and Kilton Walk, Collyhurst.
Two boys, aged 17 and 16 were arrested on suspicion of public order offences.
Supt Chris Hill of GMP’s City of Manchester Division, said: “Over the last few days, communities have been plagued by offenders riding stolen mopeds.
“Motorcyclists have been seen riding irresponsibly, threatening members of the public and goading police officers.
“In some instances, offenders have deliberately damaged police vehicles.
“We will relentlessly pursue individuals who think they can act with impunity and whose reckless behaviour blights communities.
“While we have made arrests, it’s vital that people who see this kind of anti-social behaviour in their area, report this to the police on 0161 856 7771.”
“We will relentlessly pursue individuals who think they can act with impunity”