A MAN was arrested after a dramatic chase that saw police officers on horses race through Oxford's city centre yesterday.

The 24-year-old man from Oxford was spotted near Abbey Road and Cripley Road by the patrol and officers identified him as the suspect in another bike theft from an Osney Island property on Wednesday last week.

He tried to get away by stealing another bike but PC Samantha Silk with police horse Atlas, PC Tracey Pool with police horse Odin and Sergeant Pete Neale quickly caught up with him.

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Oxford Mail:

The man was then arrested on suspicion of bike theft during the operation to tackle local crime. 

The force was searching for the suspect after several Osney Island residents reported small amounts of money being taken from their cars and suspicious-looking people hanging around.

The landlord of the Hollybush also provided some 'quite good photos' from his CCTV, when his chef’s racing bike was stolen.

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Thames Valley Police said: "We think for the residents of Abbey Road and Cripley Road watching the horses gallop past their windows provided some light entertainment.

"Atlas and Odin deserve extra treats."

Many residents took to social media to congratulate the force.

One Facebook user Shirley Williams said: "A job well done, brilliant.

"Far to many bikes are stolen in Oxford and surrounding area."

The 24-year-old has now been released on conditional police bail.