A 25-year-old motor rider has been shot dead by a police officer at Atimpoku in the Asuogyaman District of the Eastern Region, triggering tension in the area.

The man, identified as Nyable Mordzifa, from South Senchi, was allegedly hit Sunday night by a stray bullet from a warning shot fired by a police officer whose name is yet to be given.

According to eyewitnesses, three police officer on duty at a check-point close to the Atimpoku Police Station seized the motorbike of a rider for not wearing a helmet as required by law.

This created a misunderstanding between the officers and the rider.

Some six Okada drivers who saw what was happening allegedly charged on the two police officers and demanded their colleague’s motorbike is released to him.

One of the officers who allegedly sensed danger fired his gun in a bid to disperse the Okada riders who were then massing up in the area.

The bullet allegedly hit one of the Okada drivers at about 8:00 p.m. killing him instantly.

Residents of South Senchi have condemned the conduct of the police officers.

On Monday, they thronged the police station to protest the action of the officer and to also demand answers from the Police in the area.

When contacted, the Eastern Regional Police PRO, ACP Ebenezer Tetteh, said the police officers were on a snap check at Atimpoku when they saw two persons in charge of unregistered motorbikes from Akrade towards Atimpoku.

He said the officers signalled them to stop for inspections, but the okada riders became offended and held the weapon of one of the police men on duty.

The two riders with the unregistered motors were arrested and sent to the Atimpoku police station, he said.

After the arrest, ACP Tetteh said a group of young men numbering about 30 from South Senchi rushed to the checkpoint, attacked and used pepper spray on the police officers on duty.

In order to disarm them, a weapon was fired killing, Mordzifa a 25-year-old man.

His body has been deposited at the Atua Government Hospital.

The two suspects are on Police enquiry bail.