‘This will not be tolerated’
POLICE have condemned the “unacceptable” behaviour of a large group of off-road bikers.
The force was called to several reports of the group making their way around Middlesbrough and Redcar on Sunday, with one resident saying there were “around 50 of them blocking one road.”
Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston called for arrests after the group “terrorised decent people” and put “lives at risk.”
Cleveland Police said there was no further update on Tuesday morning, but Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Policing Team Chief Inspector Wendy Tinkler said the behaviour “will not be tolerated” and action will be taken to make sure those involved are “held accountable for their actions.”
Images of the group showed a large number of people on bikes pulling wheelies as they drove along Teesside roads. On Monday, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland Steve Turner said the “appalling and mindless behaviour” would not go unpunished and that officers will be making arrests.
CI Tinkler has since added: “We accept that the scenes yesterday of antisocial driving by a large group of people on off-road bikes will have been distressing for members of the public and law-abiding motorists on the road.
“This type of behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by Cleveland Police.
“Our officers responded to the many calls received however police actions must be proportionate to the situation.
“Today, neighbourhood teams have been working to identify those suspected of being involved and
POLICE MOVE TO
seeking to establish who organised the event. Over the coming days this work will continue, to ensure they are held accountable for their actions.
“Anyone with information which could help our ongoing enquiries is urged to contact Cleveland Police on the 101 number. If you don’t want to speak to police, you could pass information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by phoning 0800 555 111
“We can assure the public that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated, and we will take further action.”