Praise for bystanders who helped catch e-bike rider

Members of the public have been praised for helping restrain a man on an electric motorcycle who failed to stop after he was spotted riding dangerously.

Lincolnshire Police said Arkadiusz Malinowski, 21, became aggressive after an officer on an unmarked bike attempted to stop him in Dixon Street, Lincoln, on 16 December last year.

Malinowski, who was wearing a balaclava and dark clothes, tried to ride off but was detained by people at the scene until police back-up arrived.

Malinowski, of Craven Street, Lincoln, was given six points on his licence at the city's magistrates' court last week after admitting a number of motoring offences, as well as possession of an offensive weapon and cannabis.

He was also told to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.

Forfeiture orders were imposed for the cannabis and a police-style extendable baton.

The attempt to stop Malinowski came when the officer noticed his bike had no registration number, rear lights or indicators, police said.

Malinowski "aggressively resisted" and tried to ride off, which resulted in him and the officer falling off.

Malinowski continued to resist arrest before several members of the public helped to detain him, a police spokesperson said.

Insp Jason Baxter said: "I am exceptionally grateful for the help given to our officer by members of the public.

"It takes courage to step in and help, and it's likely by doing so they prevented our officer from being injured."

He added that electric motorcycles were often used by criminals to transport drugs and weapons or for robberies.

"We know there are lots of riders who use electric bikes safely and responsibly," he said.

"We also know there are a growing number of riders who use [them] to commit crimes such as stealing mobile phones."

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