A FAMILY drove after a crook when he cycled off with a teenager’s bike.

Conor Garvey, 14, left his bike unattended for a few seconds outside Cycle King, in East Street, Colchester, when a middle- aged man rode away with it.

A family in a car spotted the theft and drove after the crook into Greenstead Road.

When they saw the crook meet up with six or seven men they stayed in the car and called police.

The reflex circuit racer bike is worth £350.

It is blue and black and has white grips with red tape at the ends. It also has clipped pedals.

A spokesman for Essex Police said officers are investigating the theft, which took place on Wednesday, at 3.22pm.

The male suspect had a ginger beard, was carrying a black stereo and was wearing a black jacket.

Anyone with information is asked to call Colchester police on 101.

See the full story in today's Gazette.