Rotherham police search for 'quick thinking' passer-by

A man who enabled a police pursuit to continue by handing over his bicycle is being sought by a senior police officer so he can be officially thanked.

A Range Rover Evoque was being chased by an officer in a police car on Dalton Lane in Rotherham on Wednesday.

After it crashed a man fled the scene, pursued on foot by the officer, who was then offered a passer-by's bike.

Ch Supt Cherie Buttle said: "This person's quick thinking helped us detain a man on suspicion of theft."

The driver of the Range Rover Evoque, who had been asked by police to stop, reversed down several roads, drove at 80mph (130 km/h) in a 30mph (50 km/h) area and then crashed, South Yorkshire Police said.

'Invaluable help'

Ch Supt Buttle said: "I would really like to personally thank the member of the public who gave up their bike to assist our officer in his pursuit of a suspect.

"Our officers go to great lengths to tackle crimes, but we couldn't do it without the support of our communities.

"This person's quick thinking in offering up their bike without hesitation helped us detain a man on suspicion of theft of a vehicle and their assistance in this pursuit really was invaluable."

The force has appealed to the man who offered up his bike to get in touch.

The 25-year-old suspect has since been released on bail.

A second suspect, thought to be the driver of the vehicle, fled the scene.