Ottawa police are asking for the public's help to identify a motorcyclist "who drives erratically in traffic" and has reportedly flashed a handgun at several motorists who didn't give enough passing room.

OPP and Ottawa police have investigated numerous complaints about a motorcyclist driving erratically in traffic, mainly in Ottawa's west end.

"The driver also brandished a handgun to other vehicles that did not give enough room for passing," Ottawa police said in a media release issued Thursday.

The most recent sighting was in the Dwyer Hill Road and Highway 7 area at about 9:40 a.m. Thursday.

The motorcycle is described as a red Honda CBR sport bike. The licence plate is sometimes missing, and at other times has been determined to be fake, police said.

No suspect description is available, except that the person wears a black helmet.

Police urge the public not to confront the motorcyclist, and to immediately call 911.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Ottawa police call centre at 613-236-1222, ext. 7300. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).