Police in Northern Ireland have launched a major appeal for witnesses after a dramatic high-speed pursuit involving a convoy of motorcycles stretched across parts of Counties Armagh and Down during the early hours of Saturday morning.
The incident unfolded shortly after midnight when officers on mobile patrol observed a group of motorcycles travelling at speed through Banbridge before several riders continued towards Lurgan and Portadown, allegedly driving at dangerous and excessive speeds.
According to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), three motorcycles were seen travelling at significant speed along Plantation Road in Lurgan. When officers signalled the riders to stop, police say they instead accelerated away, prompting a pursuit by specially trained officers.
Pursuit Across Three Towns
The chase continued through Lurgan and into Portadown, where officers deployed a Stinger tyre deflation device in an attempt to safely end the pursuit.
Police say one of the motorcycles—a white 700cc Husqvarna Supermoto—was later abandoned in the Westland Road area of Portadown. The rider fled the scene on foot and has not yet been located.
The motorcycle has been seized and, unless claimed through the appropriate legal process, police say it will ultimately be disposed of.
No injuries have been reported in connection with the incident.
Witness Appeal
Investigators are now appealing for anyone who witnessed the convoy of motorcycles travelling through Banbridge shortly before midnight on Friday, 24 July, or during the early hours of Saturday, 25 July, to come forward.
The PSNI is particularly interested in obtaining:
- Dashcam footage
- CCTV recordings
- Mobile phone footage
- Doorbell camera recordings
covering the Banbridge, Plantation Road (Lurgan), Corcrain Drive and Westland Road (Portadown) areas.
Witnesses are asked to quote reference 2 of 25/07/26 when contacting police.
Growing Concern Over Dangerous Motorcycle Riding
The incident comes just days after another dangerous motorcycle pursuit in the Craigavon area. In that case, a 32-year-old man was arrested after allegedly driving erratically and failing to stop for police before being tracked with the assistance of the PSNI Air Support Unit. Police described traffic conditions at the time as fortunate, warning the outcome could have been far more serious.
While authorities have not suggested the two incidents are connected, the close timing has renewed concerns over dangerous motorcycle use across the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon policing district.
Road policing experts consistently warn that high-speed pursuits involving motorcycles present unique risks. Riders have little physical protection compared with occupants of cars, while pedestrians and other road users can also be placed in danger when motorcycles are driven recklessly through built-up urban areas.
Public Safety
Police stress that specially trained pursuit officers continually assess whether continuing a pursuit remains proportionate, with public safety remaining the overriding priority.
The deployment of tyre deflation devices and specialist pursuit tactics reflects the increasing challenge police face when dealing with motorcycles capable of rapid acceleration and high speeds.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officers hope footage captured by motorists, businesses and homeowners will assist in identifying those involved.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the PSNI on 101, submit information through the PSNI witness appeal portal, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.
As enquiries continue, investigators will examine available digital evidence to establish the full circumstances surrounding the pursuit and identify all of the riders involved.