Firefighters search canal for motorcylist after bike found in the water

A motorcyclist was feared drowned after a bike with its lights still on was spotted submerged in the canal at Wigan.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

A fire crew used thermal imaging cameras and lighting to comb the waters of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal at the rear of St Patrick’s ARLFC in Scholes at around 11.30pm on Thursday May 5 but found nothing.

Read More
Wigan church appeals for help after thousands of pounds of gardening equipment s...

And having recovered the Pioneer bike, they came to the conclusion that in fact the two-wheeler had been stolen and dumped in the waterway by the thieves.

Firefighters used thermal imaging cameras to comb the canal's murky watersFirefighters used thermal imaging cameras to comb the canal's murky waters
Firefighters used thermal imaging cameras to comb the canal's murky waters
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Watch manager Shaun Aspey from Wigan fire station said: “The call came in that a motorbike had been seen in the canal and there was concern that someone had had an accident.

“When we got there its lights were still on. We attached some lines to it and pulled it to the towpath. After searching the water we could find nothing and concluded that thieves must have dumped it there.

"It’s a shame because it’s probably someone’s pride and joy. I’m no expert but perhaps there is a chance that if it is dried out fully it might be rideable again.”

The firefighters were at the scene for about 45 minutes, informed the police of their suspicions and left the bike for them.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Aspey said: “It was a nuisance of an incident because we had to waste time checking that everything was OK. Then again, we can be thankful that no-one came to any harm.”

Anyone with information about the motorbike and how it got in the water should ring police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.