POLICE have issued a warning about the use of electric motorbikes after a pedestrian in her 70s was injured in a collision in Carlisle.

The incident occurred on Friday at 4.50pm, at the junction between Scotland Road and Rosebery Road.

The woman received only minor injuries but police said 'this could have been much worse.'

In a statement on social media, Carlisle Police said: "There has been a steady increase in the use of off-road motorbikes including electric motorbikes which cannot be legally used on roads or public places.

"These riders are well aware of their illegal activity as they conceal their identity and don't wear helmets.

"The majority of these riders are young males and any parents who have either purchased such a motorbike or aware their child has access to one needs to have a think about the very limited legal use they have which can only be on private land with the owners' permission."

Police later confirmed that they had arrested an 18-year-old man from the Carlisle area on suspicion of dangerous driving, no insurance and other motoring offences. The male has now been released under investigation.

Police said: "We would like to offer our thanks to members of the community that have come forward with information leading to this arrest.

"The consequences of riding illegal bikes in public spaces can have catastrophic effects on both the victims and offenders.

"Information from the public aids us in preventing this and bringing those responsible to account, keeping our neighbourhoods safe for those that live in them."

Anyone who can provide any information about this matter can contact police via 101 quoting CP-20230512-0170 or alternatively Crimestoppers 0800 555 111, they added.