GMP issue arrest update after officer thrown off motorbike in smash

A van driver who was arrested after a police officer was thrown off a motorbike in a crash on a busy road in Manchester has been released under investigation.

The officer - a 53-year-old man was riding the police motorbike along Ashton Old Road at around 8.36am yesterday morning (June 21) when he was knocked off the vehicle. He was travelling westbound along the road, towards the city centre, and had the emergency sirens and equipment activated, a Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said.

As the officer riding the police motorbike overtook a Volkswagen Transport van, the van driver made a right turn onto Brennock Close, This was despite there being 'no right' signage onto this junction.

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The officer was knocked off the bike and into the road. He was rushed to hospital from the scene with 'serious but not life-threatening injuries'.

The van driver - a 62-year-old man - was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. In an update issued this morning, a GMP spokesperson said the man had since been released under investigation.

The probe into the crash continues. Any witnesses of the incident - which saw officers cordon off a stretch of the busy road for multiple hours - should get in touch with GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit.

Officers also want to hear from anyone who has dash cam or CCTV footage that might help their investigation. Police can be contacted on 0161 856 4741 quoting log number 786 of 21/6/24.

Information can also be shared using the LiveChat function on GMP's website: www.gmp.police.uk or via 101. In an emergency, always dial 999. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity - Crimestoppers -