FOUR Dutch paratroopers who detained a suspected quad bike thief being chased by a farmer have been given police awards.

The special forces soldiers from the Royal Netherlands Army’s 11th Air Mobile Brigade stepped in when they saw 26- year-old Nick Walker trying to hold the man.

Mr Walker had chased him on another quad bike for three miles from Satley Farm, near Lanchester, County Durham.

The suspect hit a kerb and lost control and fell from the 450cc Honda on the A68, near Tow Law, as the soldiers were making their way to Otterburn, Northumberland, for a military exercises.

Three of the group held down the man until police arrived.

Sergeant Major John Spithoven said: “We are very glad to have the award but we think its our normal job to help someone who needs aid. We are very proud.”

Yesterday, Sgt Major Spithoven, 44, Lance Corporal Kim Smaak, 24, Corporal Niel Voojans, 26, and Corporal Jeffrey Coster, 24, who are from Arnhem, Holland, were reunited with Nick Walker and his father, David, who was also involved in the chase.

All six were presented with chief constable’s commendations by Durham’s top police officer Jon Stoddart.

Mr Stoddart said: “They were absolutely invaluable. It was this guy’s bad luck that the army happened to be in the area and saw what was going on and acted very quickly.”

■ William McClacklan, 25, of Drake Avenue, Coundon, Bishop Auckland, was due before Consett Magistrates’ Court on Thursday charged with the theft of the quad bike on October 5 but failed to attend. A doctor’s note was accepted by the bench.

Yesterday, Judge Guy Whitburn, at Durham Crown Court, refused to accept the explanation from Ian Bradshaw, representing Mr McClacklan, and issued a warrant without bail for his arrest.