Two males arrested after Sur-rons bikes rode on motorway in wrong direction

Two males have been arrested following reports that Sur-ron bikes were riding along the M62 motorway in the wrong direction yesterday, Sunday 19 April.

At around 10am we received a report that males on electric bikes were riding illegally and causing a nuisance in the Belle Vale area. It was further reported that the riders then went on the motorway network and rode on the hard shoulder towards Liverpool.

After exiting the motorway at junction 5 they rejoined the M62 on the other side, riding eastbound of the carriageway against the flow of traffic on the hard shoulder towards Liverpool. They then rode off the motorway via an embankment, discarded the bikes and ran off.

Officers were deployed to the area, including the dog unit and NPAS, and two males were detained. Two Sur-ron electric motorbikes were recovered in the shrubbery along with cannabis resin which was thrown in the bushes by one male.

A 21-year-old man from West Derby was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, driving without insurance, driving without a licence, possession of a controlled Class B drug, cannabis, and receiving stolen goods.

While a 17-year-old male from Knotty Ash was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, driving without insurance and driving without a licence.

They have been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Roads Policing Inspector Carl McNulty said: “The driving displayed is unfathomable where the riders drove in the wrong direction of a motorway network with fast moving traffic, which not only put their own lives at risk but also other motorists.

“The Sur-ron bikes we have recovered are high-powered electric motorbikes which didn’t have any insurance or road tax, the suspects rode with no regard for public safety.”

Inspector McNulty added: “Operation Gears is Merseyside Police’s response to the illegal use of electric and electrically assisted bikes by criminals, who often steal them to travel around Merseyside transporting drugs and weapons. 

“While our officers on proactive patrol are always on the lookout for criminality, we also act on any information on the criminal use of such bikes.

“We will deploy all the necessary tactical responses and resources available in order for us to disrupt those who steal them and use them to commit crime, bring them to justice and seize their vehicles.”

If you see any illegal use of e-bikes, e-scooters, or electric motorcycles, please report it to us as soon as possible. Contact us via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’. You can also report information via our website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/  or call 101, quoting Op Gears.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here:  https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.

In an emergency always call 999.
More information can be found here:
Merseyside Police launches Operation Gears to tackle criminality involving illegal two-wheeled vehicles | Merseyside Police
Advice on e-scooter usage | Merseyside Police
Protect your bike from theft | Merseyside Police