Two suspected phone snatchers have been arrested following a police chase through east and south London which ended when their moped crashed with a van.
The pursuit began in Bethnal Green after officers were called to reports of two males on a moped trying to snatch phones in Hackney.
A police helicopter assisted officers as they chased the moped through East India Dock Road and Tower Hill before crossing Tower Bridge into Southwark.
Officers were then able to spray the two males with a DNA solution that would link them to the pursuit before the moped crashed with a van.
The pair tried to flee on foot but were held and arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to rob and driving offences.
Both are being questioned at a police station in south London.
Chief Superintendent Dave Stringer, Met’s head of community engagement, said: “The Met is working hard to keep the public safe and make the streets hostile territory for criminals who use scooters, mopeds and motorbikes for theft and robbery offences.”
Road closures in Southwark are currently in place.
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