Police Chase Moped For Two Hours

[Raistlin]

It might have seemed like overkill but when a stolen moped buzzed through the streets, police sent five high-powered cars and a helicopter to pursue the rogue riders.

But officers were quickly forced to slow down to a snails pace and follow the motorbike menaces from a safe distance for more than two-and-a-half hours after noticing the fugitives werent wearing crash helmets.

In scenes reminiscent of spoof movie series Police Academy, officers were helpless to pursue the pair under the forces health and safety rules.

As the alleged thieves struggled to lead police on a high-speed chase, rush-hour commuters were treated to the sight of a moped leading marked cars that failed to hit top gear.

Witness Samantha Louise Radford tweeted of Fridays pursuit in Bristol: It looked like the riders were doing it without helmets on. They are lucky they didnt seriously hurt anyone.

An Avon and Somerset police spokesman said officers responded to reports of the theft at 4.45pm and arrested two teenage boys at 7.20pm.

An 18-year-old appeared at Bristol magistrates court today, charged with theft, dangerous driving and driving without a licence and no insurance.

His 16-year-old passenger has been charged with being carried on a moped without the owners consent.

[korat102]

What a stupid waste of resources. One police bike would have sufficed, surely.