Greater Manchester Police have recovered a stolen motorbike and taken two people into custody following a police pursuit through parts of Bolton on Saturday, July 18.
What happened
Officers from GMP's Motorcycle Unit tried to stop a motorbike in the Harwood and Breightmet areas this afternoon, but the rider did not comply. The National Police Air Service assisted the ground units during the pursuit. When the vehicle was recovered it was confirmed to have been stolen in 2025 from Leicester.
Two people have been arrested and are currently in custody: a 22-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy. Enquiries remain ongoing and investigators are carrying out further checks.
Police appeal and local concern
GMP say the incident forms part of wider concerns about motorbikes being ridden dangerously in and around Bolton. Officers highlighted a number of neighbourhoods where reports have been concentrated and asked the public to come forward with information about riders or where bikes are being kept.
"We believe this is one of a few motorbikes that have been reported driving dangerously around Astley Bridge, Bromley Cross, Hallith Wood, Tonge Moor, Harwood and Breightmet in recent weeks. We will continue to try and identify the other motorbikes using the roads dangerously and seize them."
Police urged residents to report any intelligence via GMP’s online forms or by calling 101, stressing that even small details can help build a picture and support enforcement activity.
Where this affects Bolton residents
The areas specifically named by police — Astley Bridge, Bromley Cross, Hallith Wood, Tonge Moor, Harwood and Breightmet — cover a broad sweep of the borough. Persistent dangerous riding can raise the risk of collisions, nuisance and neighbourhood alarm, so the operation and arrests are likely to be welcomed by residents concerned about anti-social behaviour.
Below is a quick summary of the incident for readers:
- Date: Saturday, 18 July
- Police units involved: GMP Motorcycle Unit and National Police Air Service
- Vehicle: Motorbike, later confirmed stolen in 2025 from Leicester
- People arrested: 22-year-old man and 17-year-old boy (in custody)
| Neighbourhoods named by police | Potential impact |
|---|---|
| Astley Bridge, Bromley Cross, Hallith Wood | Increased reports of dangerous riding and community concern |
| Tonge Moor, Harwood, Breightmet | Enforcement activity and intelligence gathering ongoing |
I will continue to follow developments and report any updates from GMP. If you witnessed the pursuit or have information about illegal riding or where off-road and modified bikes are stored, please pass details to police — they say even brief tips can be helpful to their inquiries.
