Man, 20, arrested after illegal e-bike pursuit through Harrogate as rider narrowly misses pedestrian

A 20-year-old man has been arrested after a police pursuit involving an illegal e-bike through Harrogate ended when the rider lost control and crashed.

North Yorkshire Police said officers were on patrol at around 10.15pm on Sunday (October 11) when they spotted an e-bike being ridden by a man wearing a balaclava travelling towards the Empress Roundabout before turning onto Knaresborough Road.

The force said the same bike had been seen just minutes earlier and had failed to stop for officers.

Police activated their blue lights, but the rider failed to stop for a second time, travelling along Granby Road before mounting the footpath, where officers said he narrowly missed a pedestrian.

The pursuit continued as the rider left the path and travelled off-road across the Stray, adjacent to Skipton Road, before turning onto Claro Road.

According to police, the chase came to an end when the rider attempted to mount the kerb while turning into Ainsty Road, lost control of the bike and fell.

He was not injured and officers detained him at the scene.

The 20-year-old, from the Harrogate area, was arrested on suspicion of failing to stop for police, dangerous driving and driving without insurance.

During a search, officers found cannabis in his possession and he was further arrested on suspicion of possessing the drug.

The man remains in police custody while enquiries continue.