A moped rider was chased on foot and arrested by Staffordshire Police yesterday after a spate of motorbike thefts and robbery in Stoke-on-Trent.

Officers followed a moped, now believed to have been stolen from Middleport, being ridden by two people wearing balaclavas in Longton near Clarence Road on Thursday (26 June). Police used 'tactics' to bring the bike to a stop - which resulted in a foot chase and an 18-year-old man being arrested.

The officers also found an angle grinder under the seat of the moped.

The 18-year-old, from Stoke-on-Trent, was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, going equipped for theft of a motor vehicle and driving without a licence and insurance. He remains in police custody while inquiries continue.  

It comes after a group of four people were seen on Parliament Row in Hanley robbing a food delivery driver of his order before being seen attempting to steal a motorbike on Cheapside on Friday 20 June.

Earlier on Friday, the theft of another motorbike from outside the Strength Asylum gym, on Botteslow Street, was reported.

After reviewing CCTV Staffordshire Police says officers are looking for four white men, in their early 20s, of slim builds, all wearing full-face balaclavas and dark tracksuit clothing who are suspected of being involved in motorbike theft incidents.

The force says there have been several reports of people on Sur-Ron electric bikes, carrying out anti-social behaviour and thefts in the area. 

Inspector Rebecca Price, of Stoke-on-Trent south local policing team, said: "This focus on anti-social behaviour as well as vehicle crime and other associated crime demonstrates real partnership working across our problem solving, response, road crime and local policing teams. 

"We will continue to do all we can to disrupt those who blight our communities with this criminality and I would urge anyone with information to contact us."

Anyone who witnessed any thefts or attempted thefts in the area are asked to contact Staffordshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 857 of 20 June or relating to the Clarence Road incident today, quoting incident number 33 of 26 June. 

Alternatively, to report anonymously, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.