Essex Police has released a video defending an officer who used a stinger on a motorbike – for what is believed to be the first time on British roads – during the Southend Shakedown on Easter Monday.

Scroll down to take a look at the video of the incident.

. @CSuptNolan talks about our use of a 'stinger' device in #Southend last weekend and the unacceptable abuse our office on the scene received on social media as a result of a command decision. pic.twitter.com/jHsY0Tixu3

— Essex Police (@EssexPoliceUK) April 4, 2018

A video that has appeared on social media shows a policeman on Southend seafront deploying the stinger to stop a motorcyclist who rode past him while he was stopping traffic to let a group of children on bikes cross the road.

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www.facebook.com/YourSouthend/videos/1899393433413940/" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">
Police Use STINGER to Stop Shakedown Bikers

WATCH: Police appeared to used a stinger device to try to stop motorcyclists from riding on Southend seafront today, during an unofficial Shakedown event. This video appears to show an officer deploying a stinger device to stop motorcyclists passing him. Stinger devices consist of a plastic mat which contains upward facing hollow metal spikes which are very sharp and capable of piercing the tread of a tyre, causing a controlled deflation. This incident took place outisde the old Esplanade pub on Southend seafront. More on this to come + more videos of this incident. Keep following us for updates. Join our Facebook group 'Southend Discussion Page' for more updates too. Video by Clare.

Opublikowany przez Your Southend Poniedziałek, 2 kwietnia 2018

Since its appearance, it’s caused a mass debate – with opinion split between whether it was a fair use of the stinger, or if it was dangerous. And now Essex Police’s Chief Superintendent Rachel Nolan has defended their actions. She said: “Over the bank holiday, we policed a motorcycle event in Southend. The vast majority of people who came to the event were responsible and enjoyed a great day out. A tiny number of people behaved antisocially or dangerously and it is our job to deal with that.

“As a result of some dangerous driving, I authorised a member of my team to use a stinger device. His photo has been posted on Facebook and abusive comments have been made about him from individuals and Essex businesses without any moderation.

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“That’s unfair. He is a well-trained, experienced roads policing officer. He has seen the devastation and trauma that road traffic collisions cause. He has had to knock on the doors of families and tell them that their loved ones have died on the roads. He has been the first on scene when motorcyclists have been in collision through no fault of their own. He has shown dedication, respect and professionalism.

“The use of the stinger is evolving to deal with different challenges on the roads and I can confirm it is tested for safe use on motorcycles. While I am not here to defend its use, the fact some of those involved rode up and down the pedestrian footpaths on the cliff face immediately after the deployment is indicative of the driving displayed.

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“The use of the stinger was authorised and endorsed right up the chain of command. It has been used in other forces previously, including Essex, and will continue to be used as a tactic to deal with dangerous driving that puts others at risk. Our office was acting in good faith to prevent harm “He didn’t want a tiny minority of people to ruin the day.

“He didn’t want children crossing a road to be put in harm’s way because a motorcyclist didn’t listen to an order to stop. He took action. That’s what I think the public ask of us. We don’t expect everyone to agree with police action, but we do expect that people are able to disagree politely and with respect to the private lives of officers and their families.”

What do you think? Necessary or dangerous?

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Ross Mowbray

MoreBikes Editor at Mortons Media Group Ltd.

Ross is the editor of MoreBikes (and On2Wheels) - and writes for Motorcycle Sport & Leisure and Classic Bike Guide magazine too. He started off doing laps of his parents’ garden on a Puch 50 scrambler at the tender age of 5, ruining the grass and crashing into bushes. Not much has changed since. He doesn’t discriminate; taking as much pleasure from bombing around town on little mopeds as he does crossing continents on big adventure bikes.
Editor@MoreBikes.co.uk | 01507 529529