A POLICE chase ended in an arrest after a suspected quad bike thief tried to out-run officers in the early hours of the morning.

A resident in the Danby Wiske area, north of Northallerton, called police at 3.30am on Thursday June 11 after seeing quad bikes drive past his house.

Due to the suspicious circumstances, North Yorkshire Police officers attended immediately, including specialist roads policing officers with pursuit training.

Just after 3.45am, one quad bike – with three people riding on it – was spotted leaving Danby Wiske and heading towards Streetlam.

It failed to stop for police, and was pursued, until it came to a stop in a hedgerow, at 3.50am.

Two of the riders made off into fields, but one was immediately caught by officers and arrested.

The quad bike, a red Honda, was recovered for forensic examination.

Police have sent details of the suspected stolen vehicle to local residents via North Yorkshire community messaging, so that its owner can come forward and claim it.

The rider caught by officers, a 22-year-old man from Liverpool, was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.

He was taken into custody, and has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Searches were carried out for any other stolen quads, and the other suspects, but they were not located.

Speaking recently about the impact of quad bike thefts, Inspector Matt Hagen, of North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Taskforce, said: “Quite apart from its monetary value, the loss of a quad can have a really significant impact on a farm or other rural business – particularly in these difficult times, when farmers really cannot afford any further disruption.

“Police patrols in rural areas have not stopped, so if you see or hear anything suspicious, don’t hesitate to call us.

"If a crime is in progress, or someone suspected of a crime is nearby – call 999."

Non-emergencies should be reported via 101.