A moped police chase ended with a young Southampton man being arrested on drug offences.

On Monday, June 24, officers on patrol stopped to advise a 21-year-old moped owner in Hedge End on how to make sure to keep his vehicle from being stolen.

The officer involved said that during the interaction, ‘suspicions were raised’ and a search was carried out.

This resulted in the moped rider taking off during the search.

Officers took chase and found the rider in Botley Road, Botley.

A dog unit was deployed and found 50 to 60 wraps of suspected Class A drugs nearby, police said.

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One of the officers involved took to Facebook to tell residents about the arrest, with the officer writing: “At around midday on Monday, June 24, officers stopped to share some crime prevention advice with a moped owner in Hedge End.

“While chatting to the individual, suspicions were raised and a subsequent search took place, resulting in the man, a 21-year-old from Southampton, suddenly making off from police.

“He was quickly located and arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A.

“A dog handler and dog unit subsequently searched the local area, recovering 50 to 60 wraps of suspected Class A drugs.

“The man has been bailed until Saturday 24 September, pending further enquiries.”