Policeman refused to pose on bicycle because he hasn't passed his cycling proficiency test

Policeman Tony Cobban refused to pose for a picture sitting on his new patrol bike - because he has not passed his cycling proficiency test.

Community officer Tony told a photographer who wanted to snap him during the handover of the mountain bike at Halfords that he had been banned by bosses from sitting on the cycle even while it was stationary.



Tony said: "It was a health and safety thing. In this day and age you have to cover all bases. I could get on the bike but I'm not massively proficient."

Inspector Nick Emmett said Tony was right not to saddle up in Preston. He added: "Our officers are required to be trained prior to using bikes."