This is the moment two men on a motorcycle without helmets flee police at breakneck speeds against the flow of traffic before crashing into a pothole as officers drew their weapons to arrest them.

The chase took place on the Washington Luiz Highway in Duque de Caxias, in the Baixada Fluminense region of Brazil, on Sunday, 21st September.

Video shows a Federal Highway Police motorcycle chasing the pair, with another police bike close behind, as the fugitives swerve against oncoming vehicles.

The pursuit lasted for around two kilometres (1.2 miles) before the suspects lost control and crashed.

Officers stopped their bikes and drew their weapons as they apprehended the injured men.

Both were taken to hospital and after being treated, they were taken to the local police station where they were charged with disobedience and negligent bodily injury.

Authorities have not confirmed the reason why they refused to stop.

The Federal Highway Police investigation is continuing.

(Mike Leidig / newsX)