Man with axe caught by police using his own bike to chase him in Pangbourne

A man with an axe on the run from police was arrested after officers used his own bike to catch him.

Thames Valley Police were undertaking a plain clothes operation in Pangbourne on Sunday when they came across a man they said was acting suspiciously.

He declined to be searched and fled the scene, leaving his bicycle behind.

As he ran, he pulled the weapon from the waistband area of his trousers and dumped it.

Quick-thinking officers leapt on the two-wheeled transport to catch him nearly a mile away from where they started their pursuit.

With the help of members of the public, they were able to apprehend the suspect, who was arrested for possession of the axe and a quantity of cannabis recovered from a search of his home.

He has been bailed while officers undertake an investigation.