(Image: Cleveland Police)
"Eyes in the sky" helped police chase a group illegally off-roading near a retail park in Hartlepool over the weekend.
Police have seized three off-road bikes following the incident.
It took place behind Tees Bay Retail Park in Hartlepool, on Sunday, August 16, where officers encountered several off-road bikes and a quad bike being ridden illegally.
Hartlepool Neighbourhood Policing Team requested support from the Drone as First Responder (DFR) team to monitor the area from the air while ground units moved in.
A spokesman for Hartlepool Police said: "Officers from the Hartlepool Neighbourhood Policing Team, with a little help from their eyes in the sky, were able to track a group of off-road bikes being ridden illegally.
"As officers approached, several riders made off in different directions.
"But after a brief foot chase, officers were able to seize two bikes, after their riders were unable to start them."
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Meanwhile, the drone continued to track another rider into the Belle Vue area, where a bike was "stealthily parked" in a backyard before the rider fled on foot.
Officers arrived minutes later and seized that bike as well.
In total, three off-road bikes were seized, and enquiries are ongoing to identify those responsible and locate the remaining vehicles involved.
The Force asks that anyone who knows where off-road bikes are being stored, or used illegally, report it via 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.