THREE suspected bike thieves have been arrested following a joint operation between Cheshire, Merseyside and British Transport Police.

The three men, who are in their early 20s, were arrested on suspicion of a raft of thefts of bicycles from town and cities across the north west including Warrington on Monday.

Officers from the town centre neighbourhood policing unit were involved in the raids, which were carried out in the Merseyside area.

PC Graham Davies said: "We would like to remind bicycle owners that our alleged offenders would have needed the element of speed to be able to notch up such a large number of alleged offences.

"All they would have needed is the unattended bike and a small pair of bolt cutters then a sharp exit back to Warrington Central Station.

"Protecting your investment with a decent lock will take this advantage away from them."