TWO suspected teenage bike thieves have been arrested in a foot-chase with fleet-footed cops.

The 16-year-old boys were arrested by officers in Gateshead town centre last night after a call from an eagle-eyed resident.

At about 6pm police received a call from the member of the public to say that four teenagers were pushing a bike down Teviot Street.

They reported that the Yamaha 125cc motorcycle had a wheel lock on it and the suspected thieves were struggling to push it down the road.

Officers were deployed to the area and upon their arrival the teenagers abandoned the bike and fled the scene.

Police chased them on foot quickly catching up with two of the boys and placing them under arrest.

An investigation into the theft is ongoing.

Detective Sergeant Ash Loader, who oversees the work of the Operation Benelli team, said: “This was a great bit of teamwork with the member of the public who called and a great effort by the officers who responded.

“It shows we are more than a match for suspected thieves and we will always bet on ourselves to win a foot-chase.

“Our Operation Benelli team is continuing to work hard to identify those involved in motorcycle thefts across the region and they will review this crime.

“However, it still concerns us that young people are being drawn into criminality and one of the teenagers involved has been arrested for the first time.

“We will take opportunities to try and divert children away from crime and will avoid criminalising them whenever possible.

“However, we have a duty to the public and many of those involved in motorcycle crime will end up in front of the courts and that can have serious consequences.

“If you know young people who are involved in this type of crime then please give us a call so we can take preventative action and safeguard members of our local community.”

The two teenagers arrested have since been released under investigation pending further inquiries and the bike will be returned to its owner in due course.