Motorcyclists – caution advised in Withington area

Motorcycle riders travelling alone are warned to be especially cautious if riding through the Withington area of Manchester after a man was forced off his motorbike – which was ridden away by thieves.

Around 8 am on Saturday 4 August police were called to the junction of Burton Road and Palatine Road. A motorcycle rider in his 20s, was approached by two teenagers on a (silver or white) scooter who demanded the man hand over the keys to his motorbike. Whilst making the demands, the pillion passenger of the scooter lifted his top to reveal the handle of handgun concealed in the waistband of his shorts.

Once in possession of the keys, the teenagers rode off – the rider on the scooter in tandem with his passenger on the stolen motorbike.

A short time later, it was reported to police that a motorbike – thought to be the one stolen – was involved in a fail-to-stop collision on Grangethorpe Drive, towards Burnage Lane. The stolen bike is a red Yamaha MT/07 ABS 700cc.

Police want to speak to two white teenagers, aged between 16 and 18-years-old – both of slim build. The first is described as wearing a full-face balaclava and a blue long-sleeve tracksuit top with blue tracksuit bottoms. The second is described as around 6ft 1in tall and was wearing a helmet that covered his whole face but with the visor up, a jacket over a white t-shirt, shorts and trainers. Neither of the teenagers were wearing gloves and both were described as having South Manchester accents.

The scooter had the registration plate DY A MATE – although this is not a genuine registration plate.

Detective Constable Michael Zarb of GMP’s City of Manchester Division, said: “While this man was going about his own business, he was forced to get off and watch his beloved bike being stolen right before his eyes, having been threatened with violence had he not complied with the offenders demands.

“We’re confident people in the area would have seen something unusual this morning – this may have been the teenagers with their faces covered or both bikes being ridden in tandem. Whatever you have to tell us, if you haven’t get got in contact, I’d urge you to do so so we can reunite this man with his bike and find those responsible.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 6012 quoting reference number 666 of 04/08/18 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.