A MAN caught hiding in a river has been arrested on suspicion of stealing two quad bikes after hiding in a river.

The 21-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman, both from Darlington, were detained by police around 3am this morning (November 7) after reports the bikes had been stolen from a property in the Reeth area of North Yorkshire.

Police searched the area and found a bike being ridden close to Grinton village in convoy with a car.

The quad bike’s rider abandoned the vehicle when police arrived, with the car also driving off.

Officers combed the area with help from police dogs and Cleveland Police’ helicopter, and arrested the man, who was found hiding in the River Swale.

The woman was stopped in a vehicle nearby and arrested on suspicion of going equipped for theft.

Both are currently in custody.

The two quad bikes have been recovered by police.