Listen to Audio Version below: Sponsored by Sussex Audiology Centre
TWO men have been arrested following a police operation, after two motorcycles were spotted being ridden dangerously through Eastbourne late at night.
An off-duty police officer raised the alarm at around 11.40pm on Wednesday, June 3, after seeing the motorcycles being ridden dangerously in the Shinewater area.
One of the bikes was reportedly not displaying a registration plate, while the riders were believed to be carrying fuel canisters. With concerns over ongoing motorcycle thefts in the area, officers immediately launched a search.
The motorcycles were located on Willingdon Drove, where officers attempted to stop them. However, the riders failed to stop and sped away, triggering a coordinated response involving local policing teams, operational support units and the National Police Air Service (NPAS).
Police said the motorcycles were ridden through parts of Eastbourne inaccessible to police vehicles, allowing the suspects to initially evade officers. A containment area was quickly established and, with support from the police helicopter, the motorcycles were later traced to the Robin Post Lane area near Hailsham.
Officers searched nearby woodland and, directed by NPAS, swiftly located and arrested both suspects.
During searches of the area, police recovered discarded helmets and tools believed to have been used in motorcycle thefts, including a hammer and two screwdrivers.
A 20-year-old man from Hailsham was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and going equipped for theft. A 19-year-old man from Eastbourne was arrested on suspicion of failing to stop for police and going equipped for theft.
Both men remain in custody while enquiries continue.
Eastbourne District Commander Chief Inspector Kara Tombling said: “The arrests were made possible through the coordinated efforts of an off-duty officer, response teams, operational support units and NPAS, demonstrating the effectiveness of teamwork across policing teams in tackling vehicle crime and keeping communities safe.”
