Officer's arm broken stopping motorbike theft suspect

An officer broke his arm tackling a suspected thief who tried to run away after struggling to ride a stolen motorbike, police said.

Derbyshire Police said it was called to reports of a Suzuki 1250 Bandit motorbike being stolen from the Royal Derby Hospital's bike shed just after 20:00 BST on Monday.

On the way there, officers spotted the vehicle and a second stolen motorcycle - a BMW - and began pursuit, but the suspect on the Suzuki was struggling to ride it and tried to flee on foot, the force said.

The officer chased the suspect and during the resulting struggle his arm was broken.

A 19-year-old man from Derby was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent to resist arrest and two thefts of motorcycles, and remains in custody, police said.

The officer remains in hospital receiving treatment, the force added.

Temporary Chief Constable Simon Blatchly said: "I am sure the public will share my shock at the injury sustained by this officer – who was simply trying to keep our city safe and stop a criminal from escaping justice.

"Each and every day officers start their shift not knowing what they will be faced with – but knowing that they may have to put their safety, and even their life, on the line.

"This officer didn't think twice about running after a potentially dangerous individual, and he is now staring down the barrel of a long road to recovery.

"I, along with his fellow officers and every right-minded member of our community, wish him well and hope his recovery is as quick as possible."

Officers said they were keen to speak to anyone who can assist with their inquiries – in particular anyone who may have witnessed, or have footage, of either of the bikes being stolen.

The force said the distinctive yellow BMW R1150 GS, with the registration starting FJ02, was stolen from Friar Gate, near the junction with Vernon Street, at 19:10 on Monday.

The BMW left Slack Lane with a rider and pillion passenger onboard, and it was believed they may have been spotted in the Parker Street area, near Kedleston Road, later that same evening, officers added.

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