Two men charged following moped pursuit from Merry Hill shopping centre

Dylan Evans and a 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were spotted on a suspected stolen moped near the Merry Hill Centre on Tuesday by officers responding to reports of robberies in the Brierley Hill area.

A pursuit began when the bike failed to stop and continued up to the Waterfront, where the two men attempted to flee on foot, but were detained after a brief foot chase.

Evans, aged 21 from Upper Gornal, was charged with three counts of attempted theft of a motor vehicle, theft of a motor vehicle, threatening a person with an offensive weapon and criminal damage.

The 17-year-old was charged with three counts of attempted theft of a motor vehicle, theft of a motor vehicle, threatening a person with an offensive weapon, criminal damage, possession of cannabis, using a motor vehicle without insurance, driving without a licence and dangerous driving.

Both were taken into custody and were due to appear at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court on Thursday. No details are currently available of their appearance.

A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "Two suspected motorbike thieves are due in court this morning after being arrested on The Waterfront.

"Officers responding to reports of robberies in the local area spotted a suspected stolen moped near the Merry Hill Centre at around 3pm on Tuesday. The bike failed to stop and was followed onto the Waterfront. Two men got off the moped and fled on foot, via the canal.

"Two young men were arrested nearby and brought into police custody for questioning.

"Following further enquiries, Dylan Evans, aged 21, from Upper Gornal, was charged with three counts of attempted theft of a motor vehicle, theft of a motor vehicle, threatening a person with an offensive weapon and criminal damage.

"A 17-year-old from Dudley, who cannot be named due to his age, was charged with three counts of attempted theft of a motor vehicle, theft of a motor vehicle, threatening a person with an offensive weapon, criminal damage, possession of cannabis, using a motor vehicle without insurance, driving without a licence and dangerous driving.

"The pair will appear before Wolverhampton Magistrates Court this morning (Thursday, June 19).

"Reducing vehicle crime is a priority across Dudley Police area and our officers are working to identify and prosecute anyone involved in committing crime throughout the borough. 

"If you have information about local crime, contact us on 101. 

"You can see more about your local neighbourhood team and dedicated officer, on our website: https://orlo.uk/1hBrK"