THREE were arrested on suspicion of going equipped for theft after police seized tools from bike riders in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Police say they saw a group out on bikes at around 3am close to Trebaron Garden Centre on Southworth Road, Newton-le-Willows which has reported break-ins recently.

Officers say one suspect tried to ride away but was caught after a short chase, leading to a scuffle in a garden flowerbed while they were detained.

A search of a rucksack saw police discover a lock knife, drugs, and a variety of tools, including pliers .

Police then arrested a group of three suspects.

A 36-year-old from Golborne and a 28-year-old of no fixed address were arrested on suspicion of going equipped for theft.

A 28-year-old man from Leigh was arrested on suspicion of theft, going equipped for theft, possession of cannabis, possession of a knife, obstructing police, cycling on a footpath, and cycling without lights.

The three men have been released under investigation, a Merseyside Police spokesman said.