Two Arrested After Police Pursuit Of Motorcycles In East Sussex

Two men have been arrested following a coordinated police operation after motorcycles were reportedly ridden dangerously in East Sussex.

Sussex Police said an off-duty officer alerted colleagues at around 11.40pm on Wednesday, 3 June, after spotting two motorcycles being ridden dangerously in the Shinewater area of Eastbourne.

One of the motorcycles was allegedly displaying no registration plate and the riders were believed to be carrying fuel canisters.

Officers launched a search amid ongoing concerns about motorcycle thefts in the area.

The motorcycles were later located on Willingdon Drove, where officers attempted to stop them.

However, the riders failed to stop and a pursuit was initiated involving local policing teams, specialist operational support units and the National Police Air Service (NPAS).

Although the motorcycles were initially lost after travelling along routes inaccessible to police vehicles, officers established a containment area and, with support from the police helicopter, later traced the bikes near Robin Post Lane, outside Hailsham.

A search of nearby woodland led to the arrest of two suspects.

Police also recovered helmets and tools believed to have been discarded during the incident, 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."