POLICE have warned of a spate of cycle thefts outside a pub in Southampton.

A mountain bike valued at £2,500 vanished on Tuesday lunchtime from outside Bar Risa in High Street, where it had been padlocked to a tree.

Southampton Central crime-desk spokeswoman Helen Ward said the red and yellow Cannon-dale SP900 men's bike was stolen between 11.45am and 12.10pm.

Police said two other bikes had disappeared from the same spot within the past week.

Anyone with information should call Southampton Central crimedesk on 0845 045 4545.