This is the moment a "hero" cyclist offered his bike to a police officer - who used it to chase down a suspect.

Bodycam footage shows a copper driving through the streets of Twickenham, south-west London in pursuit of an alleged thief.

Realising he needs to carry on the chase on foot, the Metropolitan Police officer exits his car and starts running.

But he soon passes a member of the public with a bike - who says: "Do you guys want to chase him on this?".

The grateful officer says yes and races off, eventually reaching the suspect on a towpath near to the Twickenham Stoop stadium.

Video shows him tackling the man to the ground and shouting: "You're f****** nicked!".

Bodycam footage of a Met Police officer chasing an alleged bike thief through Twickenham (credit: Met Police).

The officer then contacts his team, saying: "Additional officers coming to join me. I'm going to have to repatriate this bike to my hero member of the public."

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Insp Jon McLoughlin said of the incident: "The video below shows a recent arrest after a bike was stolen on Whitton High Street and is a great example of the public and police working together.

"In this case, a quick-thinking cyclist lent an officer their bike so they could continue their pursuit of a suspect.

"It's a brilliant example of how a small act can make a big difference."

READ MORE: Twickenham charity looking for new chair to lead the 'illustrious' group.

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