THREE teenage boys have been arrested on suspicion of stealing three mopeds following an armed police pursuit through a Colchester estate.

Essex Police received a number of reports of mopeds being ridden dangerously in Greenstead shortly after 3.45pm on Sunday.

Police officers believed the vehicles had been stolen and may be being driven using false registration plates.

Armed officers, who were closest to the scene, followed the mopeds in the likes of Primrose Walk, Magnolia Drive, Hawthorn Avenue, Magnolia field and Avon Way.

Two 14-year-old boys and one 15-year-old boy were subsequently arrested on suspicion of stealing three mopeds.

They were questioned and have since been released on conditional bail until May.

Members of the public have now been thanked by police after making the force aware of the dangerous driving.

Detective Sergeant Dan Jeffries, of Colchester CID, said: “We know these arrests and the minutes leading up to them took place in view of the public.

"We’d like to thank everyone who alerted us to the incidents and manner of driving.

“Officers acted really quickly to safely bring the situation to safe conclusion and, crucially, make three arrests."

Gazette: Councillor - Julie Young shared her views on the incidentCouncillor - Julie Young shared her views on the incident (Image: Newsquest)

Julie Young, Colchester councillor for Greenstead, also praised the public.

She added: “I was pleased to hear the community has worked really well with the police on this issue.

“We’ve been having a problem for a number of years with mini motorbikes on the estate and we know what threat they can have to the public.

“We know they can be a cause for concern for people on the estate.

“On this occasion, it’s really good residents followed the correct procedure and alerted the police to the three boys seen driving dangerously.

“The police were able to act quickly and take appropriate action and make arrests and maintain the safety of residents in Greenstead.

“This kind of incident is a worry for young people who see this as a fun thing to do.

“I’d like to thank those members of the public that got in contact with the police and I’d like to thank to police for making the arrests so quickly.”