A police officer has been injured in south Belfast while responding to a report of a motocross style bike travelling at speed.

Inspector Green said: “Officers were stopped at lights in the Millfield and Castle Street junction yesterday evening, 1st May when the bike collided with their vehicle – causing minor damage.

“As an officer attempted to detain the rider he was injured after the suspect opened the throttle on the bike, causing the rear tyre to strike the officer’s leg and injuring him.

“Thankfully, he didn’t require hospital treatment for his injuries, but is being supported at this time as he fully recovers. 

“The biker, a 24-year-old man, was subsequently arrested and has since been charged to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 29th May with 10 offences including dangerous driving and assault on police.”

Inspector Green continued: “Separately, six road users have been arrested overnight and into this morning, Saturday 2nd May, for motoring offences including driving with excess alcohol and driving while unfit.

“A 25-year-old man has been charged with driving with excess alcohol in breath, and possession of a Class B controlled drug after he was detected intoxicated in the Millfield area.

“He is also due to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 29th May.

“Meanwhile, a 26-year-old woman was arrested after she was observed driving erratically in the Broadway roundabout area.

“Her vehicle was later located in the Ormeau Road area where she appeared unsteady on her feet and was arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit through drink or drugs and remains in custody at this time.  

“A 21-year-old man was also arrested for the same offence after he was observed driving intoxicated through a drive-through restaurant in the Newtownabbey area. He remains in custody at present as enquiries continue.

“In the Newtownards area, a man was located slumped in the driver seat of a vehicle in a car park at Court Street.

“Officers attended and arrested him on suspicion of being in charge when unfit through drink or drugs. He has since been bailed to allow for further enquiries.

“Police also observed a silver coloured Mercedes stopped with its lights on and engine running at the junction of the Albert Bridge Road and The Mount, Belfast.

“The driver was arrested for in charge with excess alcohol in breath. He remains in custody at this time.

“Additionally, a 41-year-old man has also been charged with driving with excess alcohol in breath and is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 29th May after his vehicle was stopped on Antrim Road at the junction of Atlantic Avenue.”

Inspector Green added: “These arrests and subsequent charges demonstrate how the fast actions of our officers removed these reckless individuals from our roads and prevented someone from being seriously injured or worse.

“So far this year, 29 people have sadly lost their lives on our roads so I am appealing to everyone to play their part in reducing further deaths and injuries.

“Our appeal is for everyone to remember the fatal five and the devastating consequences failing to follow these can have - don’t drink or take drugs and drive; slow down; don’t be careless; always wear your seat belt and never use your mobile phone while driving.

“We will continue our work to put a stop to this careless and selfish behaviour, and if you suspect someone is driving under the influence, contact police immediately on 999."