Police use stinger trap to stop moped after chase

Two teenagers have been arrested following a police chase involving a moped, which was brought to a stop using a stinger trap.

Durham Police's motorcycle section was called to Darlington on Saturday after reports of nuisance bikes when a suspected stolen moped rode past without a registration plate.

The bike was being ridden by two people wearing balaclavas and failed to stop, leading to a 15-minute chase.

The force said the moped was ridden "dangerously on and off-road" during the pursuit.

"One of our on-road motorcycles got ahead of the pursuit and stung the moped," a spokesperson said.

"Our off-road bikes removed the riders from the moped using force in order to stop the pursuit and protect the public."

Two teenagers are being questioned in police custody.

The motorcycle section also issued two tickets to drivers for using their mobile phone behind the wheel, seized two cars and reported drivers to court because they had no insurance.

A suspected shoplifter was also arrested by a motorbike officer, who had been heading to find an electric off-road bike.

The suspect was already wanted for a separate allegation of shoplifting in another area and was arrested on suspicion of both offences, the force said.

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