A MOTORCYCLE was ridden deliberately at a police officer at the forefront of campaign to stamp out nuisance motorcyclists who are terrorising a Hampshire community.

One of a group of bikers appeared to ride at PC Simon Peacock from the Southampton West Neighbourhood Policing Team, who heads up Operation Torque which aims to stamp out nuisance illegal riders.

In the incident, which happened on Crabwood Road on Tuesday at around 2.50pm, PC Peacock managed to evade the bike. The motorcyclist was last seen crossing Romsey Road from Wimpson Lane towards Palm Road.

Now police are hunting three bikers who were seen riding dangerously in Shirley High Street and in the Redbridge and Maybush area.

Police say the bikes – which do not have number plates are not road legal – and their riders are putting other road users at serious risk.

The incident doesn’t come as a surprise to independent Redbridge ward councillor Andrew Pope who was returning home when he saw heavy police presence in the area.

Cllr Pope, pictured, has urged residents in the area to help police crack down on illegal bikers by reporting them.

“Residents have been concerned about this for a while. Please report these kinds of incidents to police on 101 or call Crimestoppers. Calling the police is the only way we can get it stopped.

“People have had just about enough of it. I know other police forces use stinger devices for motorbikes and I have asked Hampshire police if they can use them as well.”

Southampton independent campaigner Denise Wyatt also spoke about the incident.

She said: “I’ve been working with Councillor Andrew Pope and residents of Millbrook and Maybush on the motorbikes.

“We spoke with a lady who was knocked off her mobility scooter at Five Acres recently. It is downright dangerous.

“We urge residents to report any motorbike nuisance or information on it to the Police at 101, quoting Operation Torque.

“Information that we passed on to the police from residents has led to bikes being confiscated and houses being raided.

“Ours is a great area to live in. Residents won’t allow a minority of idiots to spoil it for the majority.”

PC Peacock said: “We are appealing directly to those who may have photos, videos or dash cam footage of the bikes from this incident or any others.”

John Apter, chairman of the Hampshire Police Federation echoed the call for the public’s help.

“I is only through luck that the officer was not seriously injured in this incident. I would urge the public to help us track them down,” he said.

The rider of an orange KTM is described as a white male, wearing a luminous yellow crash helmet, grey tracksuit bottoms and a dark-coloured jacket. He was aged between 20 and 30.

The other machine was a green trials bike.

Anyone who saw these bikes, or knows who the riders are should contact PC Peacock on 101, quoting 44170105797.