A PEDAL-POWERED PC cycled furiously after an elusive BMW.

The officer had his fitness put to the test when the stolen car was seen in Worthing on Wednesday.

He quickly caught up with the hatchback, which then crashed into a parked car in a residential street.

The occupants got out and attempted to escape but were quickly caught by police.

Three 17-year-olds were arrested in relation to the incident.

The heroic officer has not yet been named by Sussex Police but his colleague, PC Glen McArthur, was quick to share his exploits.

He posted a picture of the retrieved vehicle on Twitter and said: “After a short pursuit by a colleague on a pedal cycle, this stolen BMW was recovered and suspects in custody.

“Great pedalling.”

The mystery PC’s actions earned him plenty of praise on the social media platform.

Sussex Police’s chief superintendent Jane Derrick said: “A case of fast and furious cycling by the sounds of it.”

Another person expressed their gratitude for the force’s hard work and said: “You guys are awesome, thank you so much.”

Other admirers joked that the force’s bikes must be made by supercar manufacturer Bugatti and that the officer’s “extra Weetabix went a long way”.

One person tried to suggest the officer was assisted by electricity, riding one of Sussex Police’s electric bikes.

But PC McArthur was quick to dispel this rumour, saying the only word beginning with “e” involved in this pursuit was “exceptional”.

A Sussex Police spokeswoman revealed the extent of the chase. She said: “Three people were arrested after a car stolen in Worthing on Wednesday was located in the town a short while later.

“The white BMW 116C had been reported stolen at 10.47am and logged by automatic number plate recognition cameras between 11.39am and 1.34pm, before crashing in Twitten Way just after 1.30pm.

“The occupants decamped but, with the assistance of local people, were arrested nearby by officers a short time later.

“A 17-year-old boy from Worthing was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and theft from a motor vehicle.

“Another 17-year-old boy from Worthing was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and driving whilst disqualified.

A 17-year-old girl from Worthing was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.

“All remained in custody at 5.45pm on Wednesday.”