DETECTIVES on a specialist motorcycle taskforce have appealed for information after a robbery in Newcastle.

At about 11pm on Sunday a 23-year-old man was driving his motorcycle on Beechgrove Road, in Elswick.

Two men riding a black Honda motorcycle then pulled alongside him and forced the victim from his bike. The man riding pillion jumped off the Honda motorcycle and stole the victim’s bike. Both offenders fled the scene and left the victim on the roadside, badly shaken but not seriously injured.

Enquiries by Northumbria Police’s specialist motorcycle taskforce are ongoing.

Detective Sergeant Craig Brown said: “This is a violent robbery that could have left the victim seriously injured.

“He has suffered a broken thumb and has been badly shaken by the incident but things could easily have been worse for him.

“Enquiries to identify those responsible are ongoing but we need help from members of the public to locate them.

“If you have seen anyone matching the description of the offenders in your local community then please give us a call.

“If you saw two motorcycles in the area of Beechgrove Road around 11pm on Sunday then please also contact police.

“We are committed to tackling motorcycle crime in our region and have made dozens of arrests since our team was set up.

“Stolen bikes have been recovered, fake number plates seized and people have been put before the courts.

“We are not talking about bored teenagers with nowhere to ride their bikes, this is serious offending and we will put it to a stop.”

One of the offenders was described as white, about 5ft 8in or 5ft 9in tall, 18 or 19-years-old, of skinny build, clean shaven and with brown short hair. He was wearing a white and multi-coloured helmet

The second man was described as white but with tanned skin, of stocky build and he was wearing a black neck warmer under a black helmet and dark clothing.

Anyone who saw the men on the Honda motorcycle in the area before or after the robbery is asked to call 101 quoting 1222 09/06/19 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.

You can also report it online at the Northumbria Police website or email OperationBenelli@northumbria.pnn.police.uk.