A SPORTY motorbike has been unveiled as the latest weapon in the police armoury for dealing with crime.

Northumbria Police has taken delivery of a Buell Lightning XB9S Streetfighter motorcycle.

The machine, fitted with a Harley Davidson engine, will be used on general patrols, but also targeting areas where bikers meet under the force's Weekender programme - in which police operate a red and yellow card system to warn motorcyclists about their driving habits.

PC Andy Johnston, of Gateshead's motorcycle section, said: It has a short wheelbase with very sharp handling and excellent brakes which make it a very good town bike.

"It's completely different to the Harley Davidsons we have had before, but we expect it will generate the same sort of reaction."

Officers hope the bike will help engage members of the biking fraternity and help get the message across.

PC Johnston said: "We are tending to find riders are moving away from the high-powered motorbikes and towards bikes such as the Buell, which have superb handling and brakes but don't give the huge power output.

"It's a slow trend, but anything which brings down potentially huge speeds has to be welcomed."