Off-road bikes seized and reckless balaclava wearing teenage riders detained after police air pursuit
Off-road bikes seized and reckless balaclava wearing teenage riders detained after police air pursuit in Doncaster
Illegal off-road bikers who were caught speeding past vehicles and tearing up sports pitches in Doncaster have had their bikes seized after their reckless behaviour was caught from above by a police aircraft.
The two balaclava-clad riders exceeded multiple speed limits as they undertook and overtook drivers before they were caught riding over sports pitches and through public parks.
The bikes were seen speeding down roads and public footpaths, risking not only their own safety but the safety of innocent pedestrians and passers-by.
It is against the law to ride off-road bikes, including quad bikes, three-wheeled bikes, trail bikes and other two-wheeled vehicles, including Sur-Rons, on public roads in the UK without a valid insurance, licence, road tax and registration plate.
It is also illegal to ride off-road bikes in public parks and on pedestrian footpaths.
As the pair drove recklessly around the east of Doncaster, their actions were tracked from above by the National Police Air Service (NPAS) who relayed information to officers from the Motorcycle and Rural Crime Team.
They hid the bikes in an alleyway and tried to hide behind a fence - but with their every move being tracked, the pair were detained seconds later by an officer.
The bikes they were using had been modified with motors which enhanced the capability of the speed at which they could travel.
They were seized and the two riders, aged 16 and 17, were reported on summons for driving offences.
The Doncaster East Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) area sees a high number of reports of off-road bikes and in the past four weeks, more than half of the number of reports of off-road bikes in the whole of Doncaster have come from the Dunscroft area.
In April 2026, there was 78 reports of off-road bikes in the Doncaster East NPT area and the team's Inspector Alison Carr says officers will continue to take action to target and pursue those involved in this criminality.
She said: "We continue to hear from local residents about their concerns and frustrations around off-road bikes and we are regularly gathering intelligence and information based on the reports we receive from members of the public.
"We routinely carry out off-road bike-focused operations in hotspot areas, utilising a range of resources and teams, including our Motorcycle and Rural Crime Team and our friends in NPAS.
"This footage highlights the recklessness of many off-road bikers. It isn't harmless fun and in this instance, their actions could have resulted in serious injury to themselves or others.
"The legal speed limit for electric bikes is 15.5mph. Modified bikes such as the ones in this video are capable of speeds in excess of 60mph, and we often see young riders using them with no licence, insurance, training or protective equipment.
"All of this greatly increases the risk of collisions and could result in catastrophic or potentially fatal injuries.
"People deserve to enjoy our parks, roads and footpaths without the threat of off-road bikes flying past them at excessive speeds.
"We want to ensure our roads remain safe for those who use bikes and motorbikes legally and responsibly, and we will also continue to support the use of off-road bikes in a legal and safe space.
"However, what we cannot tolerate is those who act in a similar vein to the two riders in this footage and we will continue to take robust action to seize vehicles and pursue those involved in this criminality."
She also had this message for parents: "Before you buy an off-road bike for your child, please consider whether they can ride it legally and just how fast it can travel.
"Help us prevent tragedies before they happen as the last thing we want to do is knock on your door to tell you your child has been seriously injured, or worse."
If you see any illegal or antisocial use of off-road bikes, including quad bikes, trail bikes, motorbikes, e-bikes, e-scooters or electric motorcycles, please report it as soon as possible.
When you make a report, include as much detail as possible, including the time and date, exact location and details of the riders and the bikes they are riding.
To make a report, please call 101 or report information to us online via the website.
If you want to make a report anonymously, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting the Crimestoppers website.