A POLICE helicopter was used in the pursuit of a 16-year-old youth who was arrested for carrying a knife and stealing a motor vehicle in Oxford..

Officers were called after the youth was spotted riding what was believed to be a stolen moped through Blackbird Leys. It was also believed he was carrying a knife.

After a pursuit of a few minutes yesterday morning, Pegasus Road and Windale Avenue, he was apprehended by officers.

During the pursuit, which was supported by the police helicopter, he was seen to throw a knife with a ten-inch blade into a garden. Police said this has been recovered.

As part of the pursuit, he also had a collision with a police vehicle, which caused minor damage and no one was injured.

The youth was taken into custody, questioned by officers and released on bail until August 21.