OFFICERS arrested three people on suspicion of theft on Monday night after a vehicle stop on the A19.

The driver was suspected to smell strongly of alcohol, police said, and was found to be a banned driver.

While the driver was being dealt with, two passengers in the car made off on foot from the scene near Hartlepool.

Officers detained the pair after a chase through fields and on inspection of the car, found more than 20 bottles of spirits with their security tag still attached.

One man was arrested on suspicion of drink driving, having no insurance, driving while disqualified and theft.

Another man was arrested on suspicion of theft and a woman was arrested on suspicion of theft and assault.