Bikers chased by police crash into river following illegal stunts
Three bikers careered into a river after trying to escape police called to reports of a roundabout being used for illegal stunts.
West Midlands Police said the riders "rounded off 2017 on a damp note" as they attempted to evade officers in Birmingham at about 3pm on New Year's Eve.
More than 20 scrambler-type bikes were reported to be involved in performing stunts at a traffic island in Hodge Hill, but made off in different directions when police arrived.
3 BIKE LOUTS rounded off 2017 on a damp note as their bid to evade our officers ended with them careering into a river. 20+ off-road bikes were being ridden dangerously in Hodge Hill. 3 made off but ended up in the water. All arrested & bikes seized. https://t.co/JX0phSYy4dpic.twitter.com/dTp5qpGy6A
-- West Midlands Police (@WMPolice) January 1, 2018
Officers arrested three men aged 19, 20 and 24 on suspicion of causing a public nuisance after following three bikes on to parkland off Hodge Hill Road.
Traffic Sergeant Laura Floyd said: "We had several calls from the public concerned that these riders were posing a danger to the public.
"Some reported how dog walkers and people using the park had to take evasive action to avoid being hit.
BIKE LOUTS: We're committed to tackling anti-social off-road bikers. 18 men & a teenager have recently been charged with causing public nuisance; more charges to follow. They risk being jailed. We're using DNA spray to 'tag' offenders and their bikes. https://t.co/OfKhwjR6vZpic.twitter.com/wQ6HFBH6XC
-- West Midlands Police (@WMPolice) January 1, 2018
"Sadly for these three offenders they ended 2017 on a very wet and cold note. And it could get much worse for them next year as we'll be looking to prosecute them for causing a public nuisance."
West Midlands Police has launched a dedicated operation - codenamed Operation Wraithbane - to tackle anti-social off-road biking, and 19 people are awaiting trial charged with causing public nuisance.
