A 16-year-old boy from Southampton has been charged with a number of offences following the theft of a motorbike in the city over the weekend.

It comes after patrolling officers spotted what they believed to be a stolen motorbike being driven along Bursledon Road, on Friday afternoon (15 November).

On seeing police, the person on the bike ran away.

Following a short foot pursuit the boy was detained and searched under Section 1 of the Police & Criminal Evidence Act 1984. A knife, screwdriver, tools and a bike lock were located in his possession.

Following police checks, the bike was confirmed as stolen.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with taking a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent, possession of a knife blade/sharp pointed article in a public place, driving whilst disqualified and using a motor vehicle on a road/public place without third party insurance.

He is next due to appear at Southampton Youth Court on Monday 2 December.