Police have praised a pair of have-a-go heroes who rugby tackled a teenager after a motorcycle was stolen.

A youngster made a beeline away from cops searching for a stolen motorbike in Newhaven - but it was not long before a pair of brave bystanders helped police make an arrest.

Shocked pedestrians watched on as the fleeing youth fought off the first attempt from a waiting bus passenger to take him down while distant police sirens screeched - but his luck did not last long as another man charged over from the other side of the road to shove the suspected thief into a fence.

Police bailed out of a black unmarked car just seconds behind and intervened.

One car driver watching on can be heard exclaiming "it's all kicking off in Newhaven" as more officers on foot descend on the scene in Drove Road at around 1pm.

Sussex Police said they were called on Wednesday, August 21 to reports of a possible stolen motorcycle in the town.

One of the bikes recovered by officersOne of the bikes recovered by officers (Image: Sussex Police)

A spokesman said: "They located a white Triumph motorcycle, and a suspect ran from officers.

"Officers pursued on foot, and thanks to the help of a member of the public, a 17-year-old was detained in Newhaven.

"The boy was arrested on suspicion of offences including theft of a motor vehicle."

It comes as part of a police crackdown on offenders responsible for motorbike thefts in the county.

A second man in Newhaven was also arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle at a later stage.

Both were bailed pending further enquiries.

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Chief inspector Andrew Nicklin said: “We are taking action and are focused on this issue, making two arrests and recovering two motorbikes on Wednesday alone.

“We appreciate the ongoing impact that theft of motorcycles can have for owners and the potential resulting anti-social behaviour in our communities from people riding stolen vehicles.

“The majority of vehicles stolen are returned to owners, but we need the public’s help to deter and prevent further crimes.

“We encourage everyone to report vehicle thefts and provide information about these incidents to support our work, quoting Operation Portman."