Three people arrested after phone theft spike

Three people were arrested after reports of phones being snatched by two people on an electric motorbike.

A teenage boy, a woman in her teens and a man in his 20s were all arrested on suspicion of robbery.

The woman and the boy have since been released on bail while the man has been released under investigation.

Avon and Somerset Police said more than a dozen thefts have been reported in Bristol this week, with 23 similar reports in total this month.

The force said the two people were targeting pedestrians waiting at bus stops or crossing points, with the pillion passenger taking the phones.

The offenders were described as wearing black clothing and having their faces covered.

Most of those targeted have been in their teens or 20s, but there have been older victims as well, the force said.

Incidents have happened in Colston Avenue, The Horsefair, Park Street, Prince Street, Redcliff Hill, Rupert Street, St Augustine's Parade, Union Street and Whiteladies Road.

They have urged people to keep their phone out of sight when not in use, use strong security features and install a tracking app to deter phone thieves.

Police said the investigation was still ongoing and anyone who had any information should get in touch.