Motorbikes seen riding along path in busy city park

POLICE are investigating after a group were seen riding motorbikes through a busy city park.

Footage shows three motorcyclists riding through Bute Park between 2pm and 3pm on Sunday afternoon.

An onlooker described their actions as “dangerous”.

Matthew Horwood, 30, filmed the footage. He said: “It was dangerous – there were three of them and there were children around. There were people pushing prams.

“People were jumping out of the way – it was quite dangerous to see.”

South Wales Police said officers received reports that three camouflage coloured off-road bikes were being ridden dangerously around Pontcanna Fields at about 4pm on Sunday. They then made off towards Fairwater.

Inspector Ben Davies said: “We know that off-road bikes are a concern for the community and there is a policing operation dedicated to tackling this issue in Ely, Canton and Fairwater.

“As a result of Operation Red Mana, bikes have been confiscated and one individual has gone to prison for dangerously driving an off-road bike around Ely.

“Such use of off-road bikes is not only against road traffic regulations but is also extremely dangerous.

“Our concerns are that someone could be hurt by these bikes which are being ridden at high speed and also the noise which is damaging quality of life for residents.

“We would also remind parents of their responsibilities in relation to their children using off-road bikes. The last thing anyone wants is for us to be called to the scene of a collision where someone has been hurt or worse.”

Cabinet member Councillor Peter Bradbury said: “Driving these vehicles is putting both the driver and others at risk, as well as causing annoyance to those that live locally to Cardiff’s parks, and to those wanting to enjoy our open spaces.

“The council doesn’t have the power to seize these vehicles, so we will continue to work with the police to catch the perpetrators.”

This incident comes after a motorbike was seen riding down one of Cardiff’s busiest pedestrian streets on Friday.

Queen Street was busy with shoppers when the off-road bike was driven down it, before being stopped near the Samsung shop. The driver ran away and left the bike lying on the middle of the busy street.

Anyone with information about the riders or the bikes involved in Sunday’s incident is asked to contact South Wales Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting occurrence number 121637.

The public are also urged to report any general information regarding the illegal use of off-road bikes by e-mailing opredmana@south-wales.pnn. police.uk