POLICE were left stunned when they tracked down a moped after the rider failed to stop - only to find out he was just 13.

Officers on the late shift in Harwich were kept busy with incidents including traffic collisions, an elderly victim of bank fraud and domestic abuse calls.

But on the Essex Police Tendring Facebook page they posted their “highlight” of the night as an incident with a moped.

The post said: “We like to think we have seen a lot from policing in Tendring over the years.

“However, seizing this moped from a rider who failed to stop for police even surprised us.

“Officers tried to stop this vehicle in Harwich at 12.15am whereby the rider failed to stop and made off onto waste ground.

“Kindly the rider had registered the vehicle in their own name.

“Officers located the 13-year- old owner and rider and in the presence of their parents and they were dealt with for various driving offences.

“Yes we really did say 13-year- old moped rider.

“We take the welfare of children extremely seriously and are astonished a child of this age is out at this time riding a moped at this time of night.

“This kind of action is totally unacceptable.”

The moped was seized by police after the incident last Friday night.

He has been “reported” for traffic offences, which means he will receive a court summons at a later date if the Crown Prosecution Service decides to press charges.

The teen’s mum replied to the police post praising their actions.

She said: “My 13-year-old sneaked out of the house on a bike he bought as a project to fix and sell like he has done with many bikes before.

“But he stupidly rode it on the road and got caught.

“I am very pleased the police caught him for his own safety and the safety of others.

“Well done Essex Police for your prompt action.”

You need to be 16 to ride a moped in the UK.