Shocking dash-cam footage shows the moment police officers deliberately rammed a pair of troublesome bikers in a ‘brave and bold’ move to stop their anti-social behaviour. Watch the video here:
The duo had been spotted causing mischief around the streets of Sheffield on Saturday (30 July), having terrorised residents by riding on pedestrian walkways and pavement at high speed.
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After plain-clothes cops saw them refuelling their bikes at a petrol station in Coal Aston, Derbyshire, at 6.20pm, the officers pulled onto the forecourt in unmarked cars.
As the two louts tried to get away, the police officers opted for drastic measures, employing tactical contact by ploughing into both of them, sending them flying over the handlebars before being detained at the scene.
A 21-year-old man was reported on summons on suspicion of driving while disqualified and with no insurance to appear at court at a later date.
A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "One man is outstanding and we would urge him to speak with us about the use of his motorcycle which we now have possession of.
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"We know that off-road bikes, the nuisance, anti-social behaviour and serious crime linked to them are a concern for our communities.
"Officers’ message is clear - we will use all available tactics to stop them committing crime and causing fear and harm to our communities.
"With motorcycle-based criminality increasing, officers are using tactical contact to stop and apprehend those who are committing crime."
Roads Policing Inspector Clifton added: “Off road bikes are one of the biggest concerns to our communities.
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“We are a privileged force to have a full time Off Road Bike Intervention Team but tackling motorcycle criminality doesn’t stop with that team.
"Specialist roads policing pro-active officers and teams from across the force are also tackling the associated crimes and anti-social behaviour.
“We hear time and time again from our communities that the riders are ‘not causing any harm’ or ‘just having fun’ but this isn’t the case.
"These riders have the capability to cause serious or fatal harm to pedestrians, and other road users, as well as damaging infrastructure and farmers’ livelihoods.
“We have also seen a rise in such vehicles being used to facilitate serious crime and need to be stopped.
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“As always we continue to clamp down on those who use the road network, in whatever vehicle that may be in to commit criminality.
"We will be firm, we will be strong, as this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.”
After the footage was shared online, it was met with a mixed response from social media users.
One person commented: "How is it brave to knock kids off their bikes? Not sure the punishment fits the crime here as they could have been seriously hurt."
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Someone else said: "I imagine they would make a run for it if you were plain-clothed in unmarked cars. Think this could have been handled better."
But one described the footage 'poetic justice', while another said: "Need to see more of this. These riders have no consideration for the public and are a danger to themselves and others."
A fourth also wrote: "That will bruise their egos. Top work, might make the little louts think twice in future."
Jess Hardiman