An axe-wielding man was arrested after allegedly threatening members of the public while riding a stolen moped through Westminster.

The 20-year-old man was spotted in the Portland Place area at 1.30pm on Tuesday (May 12).

It is believed the man was using the moped to snatch mobile phones from passersby.

Officers from the Roads Transport Policing Command arrested the man on suspicion of theft and theft of a motor vehicle after an hour-and-a-half of being called.

After a search of a property, a number of phones and a moped were recovered. The moped has been reported as stolen.

The man has also been arrested in connection with another mobile phone snatch on a moped in Crouch Hill on April 15.

The man remains in custody at a north London police station. There were no reports of any injuries. Police are continuing their enquiries.

If you recognise the moped or have any information call police on 101.