Police chased a pair of suspected moped muggers across London in a dramatic pursuit that ended when the riders crashed into a van in Camberwell.
The two men were reportedly attempting to snatch phones from members of the public in Hackney on Friday lunchtime.
Police were called shortly before 1pm and began pursuing the suspected thieves in Bethnal Green.
A helicopter joined the chase as the suspects’ moped sped through east London via East India Dock Road and on to Tower Hill.
They then crossed Tower Bridge and drove into Southwark with police vehicles still on their tail.
Officers managed to forensically tag the suspects with a solution which meant they could be linked to the incident as they sped through south-east London.
The chase eventually came to a climax when the moped collided with a van in Camberwell and the men attempted to escape on foot.
Police officers chased them down and arrested the pair on suspicion of conspiracy to rob and driving offences.
Chief Superintendent Dave Stringer, Head of Community Engagement, said the incident showed the Met’s “determination to stop offenders who think they can use vehicles to commit crimes with impunity”.
He added: “The Met is working hard to keep the public safe and make the streets hostile territory for criminals who use scooters, mopeds and motorbikes for theft and robbery offences.
“Thanks to the professionalism of our officers, and the support of our colleagues in the National Police Air Service, we have safely arrested two people for a number of offences.”
