Three suspected car thieves are in custody following an early morning high-speed pursuit north of Whitby.

North Yorkshire Police traffic police spotted a red Hyundai car acting suspiciously in the Staithes area at 1.13am today (Thursday).

It failed to stop for the patrol car and made off towards Loftus over the Cleveland border.

A spokesperson said: "Despite an area search, the officers were unable to locate the vehicle.

"They did, however, alert Cleveland Police to the scene to support the operation.

"A second suspicious vehicle, a black VW Golf, was spotted travelling south on the A174 near Loftus at 1.51am.

"It also failed to stop and was pursued at high speed towards Staithes where officers had set up a stinger device to puncture the tyres and bring the car to a safe stop on the other side of the village.

"Three males were arrested.

"The red Hyundai was located and recovered from a country road near Loftus. It had been reported stolen in the Cleveland area.

"Enquiries are ongoing regarding the ownership of the black Golf.

"The suspects, aged 22, 19 and 17, remain in custody while the Cleveland Police-led investigation continues."