A volunteer police officer has been threatened with a knife while chasing a suspect on foot in Swindon – with the fleeing man able to evade arrest.
Officers from the Special Constabulary were conducting proactive foot patrols in the St Andrews Ridge area following multiple reports of illegal e-bikes being ridden in the area.
At around 7pm on Tuesday (14 July), they observed a motorcycle being ridden along a public footpath on Lady Lane, near Dovedale.
The rider stopped and dismounted on seeing the police, but when challenged he made off on foot.
During the ensuing foot pursuit, the male produced a knife and pointed it towards one of the officers.
Wiltshire Police confirmed that they have since seized the the motorcycle, which has been confirmed as stolen – but the suspect was able to evade arrest.
The force said it is keen to identify this suspect in connection with the incident.
Swindon Neighbourhood Inspector Joe Senior said: “Our Special Constabulary are volunteer officers who do an incredible job supporting front line policing.
“In this case they were targeting anti-social behaviour and criminality which the community have identified as a priority, and I am sure the public will be as disgusted as I am to see someone threatening them with a knife.
“If you recognise this person, or witnessed the incident yesterday evening, please contact us on 101 quoting reference 54260084772.”
