Motorbike chase-row police make two arrests

The three-strong gang were not wearing crash helmets when they roared off on stolen motorbikes worth 20,000 following the raid at a showroom.

In line with national police policy, officers do not give chase to suspects on motorbikes if they are not wearing helmets because it is deemed too dangerous to the rider.

The gang fled on a Yamaha R1, a Honda 1000 Fireblade and a Honda CBR 600 following the raid at the MMC motorbike shop in Altrincham, Cheshire.

Last night two men aged 26 and 24 were arrested on suspicion of theft and bailed pending further inquiries until September 10.

One of the bikes has also been recovered, Greater Manchester Police said.

Officers had reportedly seen the raiders but when they contacted their inspector for guidance he ordered them not to pursue as none of the suspects were wearing helmets.

Stung by criticism, the force defended their actions and said their officers were merely following national policy for all forces.

Superintendent Steve Nibloe said: "When police officers attended to this incident, suspects were seen driving off on motorbikes.

"The officers were asked not to pursue the suspects, as they were not wearing the correct safety equipment and were not wearing helmets, so it is clear to me the correct decision was taken.

"Greater Manchester Police follows a nationwide policy which gives clear guidance that motorbikes should not be pursued because of the higher risk of injury to the rider.

"Detectives are pursuing a number of positive leads."