A 16-year-old boy from Southampton has been charged with knife possession and the theft of a motor vehicle after running into police last week.

Police officers spotted what they believed to be a stolen motorbike being driven on Bursledon Road on Friday afternoon.

The person on the bike ran away after seeing police, and after a short foot pursuit, the boy was detained and searched, Hampshire Constabulary said.

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A knife, screwdriver, tools and a bike lock were found in his possession.

Police checked the motorbike and confirmed it as stolen.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with taking a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent, possession of a knife blade/sharp pointed article in a public place, driving while disqualified and using a motor vehicle on a road/public place without third party insurance.

The 16-year-old is due to appear to Southampton Youth Court on December 2.