A MAN from Bradford has been arrested after taking police on a high-speed chase in the Yorkshire Dales over suspected stolen quad bikes.

North Yorkshire Police received a call from a member of the public in the Kilnsey area reporting two men behaving suspiciously around a premises where quad bikes were parked at the weekend.

Almost an hour after the first call, a further report was received of an attempted quad bike theft at a premises near Starbotton.

Two suspects were disturbed and left empty-handed.

Officers spotted two motorcyclists near Bolton Abbey who, after noticing the marked police car, made off at speed - crossing onto the wrong side of the road and into the paths of oncoming vehicles.

Officers deployed a stinger ahead of the bikes in the village of Addingham in hot pursuit.

One motorcyclist made off, but the second dropped his bike and ran away over a hedge.

Members of the public helped direct officers, and a man was found wet and covered in mud, just a short distance from where the bike was abandoned.

The man, who is 18 and from Bradford, was arrested on suspicion of the theft of a motor vehicle, failing to stop, dangerous driving, and driving without a licence or insurance.

He has been released on bail – with a condition not to enter the Craven district for any reason while the investigation continues.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: "At 2.30pm on Sunday, October, 13 2019, North Yorkshire Police received a call from a member of the public in the Kilnsey area, reporting two men behaving suspiciously around a premises where quad bikes were parked.

"North Yorkshire Police officers immediately made towards the area. At 3.20pm, a further report was received of an attempted quad bike theft at a premises near Starbotton. Two suspects were disturbed and left empty-handed.

"At 3.50pm, officers spotted two motorcyclists near Bolton Abbey. They immediately reacted to the marked police vehicle by making off at speed."