Police arrested two teenagers minutes after reports of a moped being stolen in Bishop Auckland earlier today (Monday, February 20).

A Durham Police spokesperson said the officers, who sprung into action shortly before 3pm, were looking for a third suspect who fled the scene.

The spokesperson said: “We received reports of three teenagers stealing a moped in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, just before 3pm this afternoon.

“Following live-time updates from the control room, officers from Shildon Neighbourhood Policing Team, Response and Bike Section leapt into action and tracked the suspects down to Locomotion Way, in Shildon, just minutes later.

“The suspects dumped the moped, along with another one also believed to have been stolen last night and tried to flee the scene but two – boys aged 16 and 17 – were chased down and arrested on suspicion of theft.”

Police said the 17-year-old was further arrested after being wanted for breaching his tag.

Both were taken into custody and vehicles recovered which will be returned to their rightful owners.

Enquiries are ongoing to track down the third suspect.

If you have any information, call 101 quoting incident reference number 226 of February 20.

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