Scrambler bikes that wreaked havoc on Merseyside yesterday have caused extensive damage.
Merseyside Police were engaged in a " Mexican standoff " situation with a man on a scrambler bike on Crosby beach. Following the standoff, three men were arrested.
Emergency services swarmed the beach and set up a containment area around the biker as they attempted to catch the driver while he did "wheelies" across the sand. Witnesses gathered as the standoff continued, with some saying they saw police helicopters, drones and a number of police cars descend on the coast.
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Merseyside Police confirmed that three men have been arrested following the incident that started at 1.50pm when officers were called over reports of a group of men riding off-road bikes on Mariners Road, Liverpool. Officers said yesterday that they spotted the bikes on Queens Road and arrested two men in the area on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and assisting an offender, a 4x4 BMW motor vehicle and off-road scrambler bike were also seized.
A Merseyside Police spokesperson told the ECHO : "At around 1.50pm yesterday (Monday 18 April) it was reported that several scrambler bikes were riding through the city centre and surrounding areas. It was further reported that the men were first seen at the park by the Pavillion. They caused damage to the park area.
"Police pursued three off-road bikes in the Bootle area of Merseyside."
Damage that took place to a railway crossing in Formby has also been linked to the group, although this is yet to be confirmed. British Transport Police tweeted about the damage on Monday. They wrote: "Due to an ongoing incident the level crossing in Formby will remain down. Please use alternative routes until repairs have been made."
A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, driving dangerously, failing to stop, driving otherwise than in an accordance with a licence and using a vehicle without third party insurance. Additionally, a 24-year-old man and a 22-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. All three remain in custody.
