Hooded quad bike 'thief' leads police on countryside chase after desperate 999 call

A hooded quad biker led police on a chaotic chase around rural North Yorkshire before officers finally brought the suspect to a stop.

Footage showed the rider swerving across two lanes of a countryside road, veering from side to side as police struggled to reach him. The chase was sparked by a 999 call from a member of the public who reported his red quad bike being stolen at around 4:15am on Thursday. The owner was following the vehicle and providing live updates to police.

Within minutes, officers from North Yorkshire Police who were travelling towards Whitby on the A171 spotted the suspected stolen quad bike heading in the opposite direction towards Scaling Dam.

The officers' blue lights were activated and a pursuit began as the rider continued with speed along the rural road, travelling westbound, reports Teesside Live .

The rider then turned onto Roxby Low Moor and continued along Roxby Lane, passing the junction for Borrowby. It then travelled through Dale House before turning back towards Whitby on Hinderwell Lane.

Officers safely brought the vehicle to a stop near the Port Mulgrave turn-off where Hinderwell Lane meets Rosedale Lane.

During the pursuit, the suspect discarded a mobile phone from his pocket, which was later recovered by officers as part of the investigation.

At 4.39am, just 24 minutes after the initial report, a man in his 30s from the Teesside area was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, driving without insurance, and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

The suspected stolen quad bike was recovered and the man was taken into custody. Enquiries are ongoing.

Chief Inspector Alex Langley from the Specialist Operations team at North Yorkshire Police said: "This incident highlights the dedication of our officers who work around the clock to protect our communities.

"Thanks to a swift response and coordinated policing tactics, a suspected stolen vehicle was recovered, a suspect was arrested and a potentially dangerous situation was brought to a safe conclusion.

"While most people are asleep, our officers are out on North Yorkshire's roads preventing crime, pursuing offenders and keeping the public safe.

"This footage provides a glimpse into the reality of policing and the work carried out by our Specialist Operations officers every day."