Four arrests as police stop Bournemouth illegal bike gathering

Four men have been arrested and a number of vehicles seized, after police prevented an illegal procession of motorbikes and e-bikes in Bournemouth.

Dorset Police said officers were alerted to posts in social media groups encouraging members to gather on Saturday on dirt bikes, e-scooters, e-bikes, quad bikes and other vehicles to “fight against Dorset Police”.

A 20-year-old man from Reading, Berkshire, believed to be the event organiser, was arrested in Bournemouth on Saturday on suspicion of causing a public nuisance, said the force. Three other men were detained on driving and drugs offences.

Police said those involved were “intent on causing harm or disruption”.

Illegal vehicles were seized, including mopeds, electric motorcycles, e-scooters and adapted pedal cycles.

Pictures issued by police showed a number of riders being stopped or spoken to close to Bournemouth seafront.

Police said the action “prevented anti-social behaviour”.

Ch Supt Lindsay Dudfield said: “This was particularly impactive at a time when many families are visiting Bournemouth for last-minute Christmas shopping or for the Christmas Tree Wonderland experience.

“We know that the anti-social riding of e-bikes and e-scooters is of significant concern to our residents and it was vital we acted upon these concerns to ensure everyone can have a safe and enjoyable time in the area.”

As well as the arrested man from Reading, a 20-year-old man from Bournemouth was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, drug driving, possession of class B drugs, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, no insurance, no driving licence and failing to stop for police.

A 24-year-old man from Bournemouth was arrested on suspicion of drug driving, failing to stop for police, no driving licence and possession of class A drugs.

A 32-year-old man from Wiltshire was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and no insurance.