A FIFTEEN-year-old male has been arrested on suspicion of theft after police chased two Honda quad bikes along the A65.

TC Andrew Ingram of North Yorkshire Police said the bikes were spotted in the early hours of yesterday morning travelling along the A65 at Long Preston towards Skipton.

The bikes failed to stop for police and a pursuit began.

A stinger was used in Gargrave, outside Bollywood, leading one quad bike to be abandoned.

The rider got on the back of the second quad and specially-trained police officers pursued the remaining quad towards Ilkley along the A65, before it turned down a track at Draughton and came to a stop.

Both riders ran off. A 15-year-old boy from Bradford was located in bushes nearby a few minutes later and was arrested. The other was not found, despite an extensive search.

The two Honda quad bikes, which had been stolen from a farm in Horton-in-Ribblesdale, were recovered and will be returned to their rightful owner.

The 15-year-old was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, burglary and dangerous driving. He was released under investigation while inquiries continue.

Anyone with information about the second suspect should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting reference number 12180134089.

There were 47 quad bikes stolen in Craven in 2017, compared to 22 in 2016 and 12 in 2015. Police are urging residents in rural areas to take extra steps to secure quad bikes and other vehicles.