POLICE pursuing a moped rammed the vehicle with their patrol car on the edge of Southampton Common after the rider refused to stop.

Officers used "tactical contact" to stop the vehicle after what they described as a series of moped-related crimes in the city on Saturday.

The rider fled the scene but was detained after being chased on foot.

As reported in the Daily Echo, police have started using stinger devices to halt motorbikes being ridden in an anti-social manner in parks and other parts of the city.

The incident beside the Common occurred near the Cowherds pub on Saturday evening.

Hampshire Roads Policing Unit posted images and a description of what happened.

READ MORE: 20-year-old Mercedes driver caught doing more than 100mph on M27

They tweeted: "Following a series of moped-enabled crimes in Southampton today, this one failed to stop for us.

"Tactics were already authorised and when the opportunity arose we used tactical contact to end the pursuit as the rider tried to go on to Southampton Common.

"The rider was detained for numerous offences after a short foot chase.

"We are not afraid to put ourselves in harm's way to keep members of the public safe."

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman added: "Our officers were on proactive patrols on Bursledon Road, Southampton, when a motorbike was flagged up as stolen.

"The bike was later seen on Basset Avenue heading towards the city centre and onto Southampton Common.

"Authorised tactics were used to stop the bike and one person was detained by officers.

"A 22-year-old man will be required to attend a voluntary interview at a police custody suite at a later date. The bike was subsequently seized."

Many people have taken to social media to praise the officers' actions, with one person posting: "Let's see more of this from the police."

Another added: "Long may it continue. Bike crime has got really bad in Southampton. It affects many people, all because these mindless, selfish people think it's fun."

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News