Man on Sur-ron arrested after pursuit by officer on police e-bike

A man was arrested after an officer on a police e-bike spotted a man on a Sur-ron in Walton Cemetery yesterday (Tuesday 25 August).

Just before 8.15pm, a small group of males – including one on the Sur-ron – were seen acting suspiciously, hiding behind the gates to the cemetery with face coverings.

The officer on proactive patrol in the area indicated for the male to stop but he rode away at excess speed and narrowly avoiding pedestrians. He was pursued by the officer to Rice Lane Recreation Ground where he abandoned the Sur-ron in a wooded area. He was then chased on foot before being detained and the Sur-ron seized.

A 25-year-old man of no fixed address was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, theft of a motor vehicle, and driving otherwise than in accordance with a license and without third party insurance. He was taken into custody to be interviewed.

Merseyside Police recently introduced a powerful fleet of new electric police bikes as part of our ongoing Operation Gears campaign. The road-legal Stark Varg electric bikes are being deployed across Merseyside as part of Operation Gears, the force's targeted campaign to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour linked to the illegal use of off-road bikes, e-bikes, e-scooters and electric motorcycles.

The bikes are working alongside the National Police Air Service (NPAS), air support and the force's existing fleet of police motorcycles and vehicles, helping officers track, disrupt and seize illegal vehicles used by criminals and nuisance riders.

Inspector Josh Griffiths said: “This arrest and seizure demonstrates yet again our relentless pursuit of those suspected of illegally riding Sur-rons and other illegal two-wheeled vehicles.

“Sur-ron bikes themselves are illegal if used on the road - they do not have registration plates, indicators and other safety equipment for safe use on our roads. And we know that criminals use them to move around our communities at speed, often transporting drugs and weapons, as well as using them during incidents where violence, threats and intimidation are used.

“That is why we have invested in our own electric bikes and in this case it has enabled us to pursue a suspect in areas inaccessible for traditional police vehicles.

“Through tactics, technology and sheer determination, our officers will always work to stay one step ahead of criminals to disrupt their activities and protect the public.”

Insp Griffiths added: “Operation Gears is focused on tackling the criminal use of bikes that continues to cause harm to our communities. We know these vehicles are often linked to antisocial behaviour, drug supply and wider organised criminality, allowing offenders to move quickly and evade police.

“Since Operation Gears was launched in June 2025, officers have seized more than 1,600 two-wheeled vehicles linked to criminality, dangerous riding and antisocial behaviour, with enforcement activity continuing across the region.

“We will continue these efforts to prevent anyone from using such vehicles to engage in criminality and ask that people in our communities support these efforts by telling is where they are being stored and ridden.”

If you see the illegal use of e-bikes, e-scooters or electric motorcycles, please report it to us as soon as possible.

Anyone with information should contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X and Facebook @MerPolCC. 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.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.

In an emergency always call 999. 

We are committed to working with communities to make neighbourhoods safer. More information about Operation Gears can be found at: Operation Gears | Merseyside Police