A dozen smart phones stolen in street robberies this morning have been recovered following the stop and search of a 16-year-old boy in Hackney.

Police say the teenager was stopped and searched for stolen property because he matched the description of a suspect wanted by the Robbery Task Force.

The search was undertaken after a number of smart phone thefts were reported this morning (May 18).

It's believed they took place in Hackney, Islington, Tower Hamlets and the City of London between 6.30am-7.30am.

The suspect was arrested after he was found with 11 suspected stolen phones on his person and a further device at his address.

Enquiries continue.

Anyone who had their phone stolen this morning before 7.30am by a male on a bike should contact 101 quoting 1376/18MAY22.