Traffic cop knocked from motorbike in chase

A POLICE OFFICER was knocked from his motorcycle while chasing a bike thief in Coventry yesterday.

The officer, from the West Midlands Police, was pursuing a stolen yellow off-road bike through the city when he was collided with on Stoney Stanton Road.

After he fell from his bike, a number of bystanders reportedly began filming and photographing the incident instead of helping him, actions which the force has branded ‘disgusting’.

West Midlands Police Road Harm Reduction Team tweeted:

"Very disappointed to report that when one of our team was knocked off his bike while pursuing a stolen bike the first thing people thought to do was to record the incident on their mobile phones rather than help the rider.”

Very disappointed to report that when one of our team was knocked off his bike while pursuing a stolen bike the first thing that people thought to do was to record the incident on their mobile phones rather than help the rider. Luckily we were close! Any info via 101 please...

— West Midlands Police Road Harm Reduction Team (@WMPRHRT) 29 August 2018

They later added: "not what any of us come into work for".

The officer was taken to hospital and later discharged with "bumps, bruises and a bit of shock".

The Force has today thanked their followers for their concern, reassuring them that the officer suffered no lasting injuries.

Thank you for the huge outpouring of support for our colleague after yesterday’s incident. He has no long lasting injuries and is recuperating at home. Anyone with any information on the stolen yellow off road bike being pursued please contact 101

— West Midlands Police Road Harm Reduction Team (@WMPRHRT) 30 August 2018

The incident occurred during the national Motorcycle Week of Action, in which forces are making sure bikes are roadworthy and riders are doing everything they can to stay safe and not become a target of crime.