POLICE have made two arrests after responding to reports of e-bikes being driven dangerously in West Belfast on Saturday night.
At around 8.45pm, officers responded to three Surron-style electric bikes driving dangerously and at high speed. A stinger device was subsequently deployed on all three. However, while one of the e-bikes was then abandoned, the remaining two riders continued driving at speed towards Belfast city centre and onto the Westlink, city-bound.
Police were forced to close the Westlink for a time to allow emergency services and collision procedures to be completed.
A 17-year-old male and a 20-year-old man were subsequently arrested on suspicion of aggravated vehicle-taking in which a vehicle is driven dangerously.
The 20-year-old was further arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily injury by dangerous driving, carrying an unauthorised passenger on a motor bicycle, failing to stop for police and other driving-related offences, including using a motor vehicle without insurance.
Both males were taken to hospital for precautionary assessment following the collision and both remain in police custody at this time.
District Commander, Superintendent Mark Conway said: “The actions of our officers last night no doubt prevented further immediate danger to road-users and avoided what could have been another potential tragedy on our roads.
“We would remind people that the dangerous or reckless use of e-bikes on public roads will be dealt with robustly. Electric bikes are not for use on public roads and our officers will continue to take a proactive approach towards the illegal and dangerous use of e-bikes and, where appropriate, use their powers to seize illegal vehicles which are being used on roads and public places.
“These vehicles can pose a significant risk to riders, pedestrians and other road-users, particularly when they are being ridden dangerously and at excessive speeds.
