Police are appealing for witnesses after a ‘shocking incident’ that saw a police officer suffer a broken arm while trying to arrest a suspected bike thief in Derbyshire.

A police officer suffered a broken arm as he tackled a suspected motorcycle thief who had attempted to evade arrest.

Derbyshire Police were called to reports of a bike being stolen from outside the Royal Derby Hospital just after 8.00pm on Monday, October 19.

Officers on patrol began making their way to the area when they spotted the stolen motorcycle and a second bike that, it became apparent, had been stolen earlier that evening.

They began to pursue the two motorcycles but, with the rider of the Suzuki 1250 Bandit struggling to ride the stolen motorcycle, he tried to flee on foot.

The officer chased him down and in the ensuing struggle broke his arm. He remains in hospital receiving treatment.

The man, a 19-year-old from Derby, was arrested on suspicion of GBH with intent to resist arrest and two thefts of motorcycles. He remains in police custody.

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 are keen to speak to anyone who can assist with their enquiries – in particular anyone who may have witnessed, or have footage of, the bikes being stolen.

The first bike, a distinctive yellow BMW R1150 GS with registration starting FJ02, was stolen from Friar Gate - near the junction with Vernon Street - at 7.10pm. The Suzuki was stolen from the bike shed at the hospital at 8.00pm.

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

Anyone with information or footage is asked to contact the force using any of the below methods, quoting reference number 26*635363:

Facebook – send a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary

Twitter – direct message the force’s contact centre on @DerPolContact

Website – complete the online contact form: https://www.derbyshire.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us-beta/contact-us/

Phone – call 101

You can also anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.