Charges have been laid after a motorcycle crash that occurred after the same machine caught the attention of police officers in the capital city.

RNC say they attempted to pull the motorcycle, with two people on board, over around 12:45 this morning at the intersection of Topsail Road and Dunn’s Road.

Instead of stopping, the machine fled, and police decided not to pursue in the interest of public safety.

The same motorcycle was found minutes later, heavily damaged after crashing near Blackmarsh Road.

Police say the 26-year-old driver refused to provide officers with a breath sample and both he, and his 22-year-old female passenger were taken to hospital for treatment.

The driver has been charged with dangerous driving, flight from police and refusal. His licence has been suspended and the motorcycle was seized.

He’s been released to appear in court at a later date.