POLICE have praised residents who sprang into action when a quadbike was stolen.

People living in Fylingthorpe, near Robin Hood's Bay on the coast, intervened when they realised a vehicle was being stolen in the village.

At around 10pm on Friday, January 26, police received a call from a Whitby resident reporting an attempted - but unsuccessful - theft of motorcycle from an address in Rohilla Close.

Two further calls were received by the force at around 10.50pm reporting the theft of a quadbike in Fylingthorpe.

The quadbike was seen being pushed down the road and a number of local people followed the suspects on foot. Several residents also chased the suspects through gardens.

Thanks to the actions of local people the three men were arrested by police officers a short time later and taken into custody for questioning. They have been released while under investigation and to allow for further police enquiries.

The men, two from Redcar aged 26 and 39 and a 31-year-old from Nottingham, were arrested between 11pm on Friday, January 26 and 12.45am in the early hours of the following morning.

Police have praised the actions of the local community who responded to the incidents and assisted the police’s enquiries at the scene.

Sergeant Simon Jolly, of Whitby police, said: “The local community’s response was fantastic.

"They were very brave in their attempts to stop the suspect and their quick thinking, along with the information they were able to provide, meant the suspects were swiftly arrested.”

Police subsequently received many other reports from residents in Robin Hood's Bay reporting the theft of two motorcycles and overnight break-ins. These remain under investigation.

A motorcycle and a quadbike were recovered and the suspects' vehicle was seized at the scene.

A second stolen motorcycle remains outstanding and enquiries are continuing into its whereabouts.

Anyone with any information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact the police. Please contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting incident reference 12180015050.