The two mounties galloped after the Ford Orion before the suspects left the car and ran away in Middlesbrough.

But horses Huntcliffe and Cleveland and their riders refused to give up the 20-minute chase and cornered two men.

They were arrested. One was later released on bail and the other charged with taking a vehicle without consent.

'Totally shocked'

Sparks flew from the hooves of the horses as they pounded through the centre of Middlesbrough at full gallop during the incident on 9 November.

Pcs Christopher Bancroft, 45, and Mark Humble, 33, said the chase covered a considerable distance.

Their horses, said to be the smallest but the fastest in the force, were still raring to go at the end of it.

Mr Bancroft said: "The car turned into Clifton Street, we went to stop it and the driver made off.

"He accelerated down Linthorpe Road and we galloped after it.

"They were totally shocked that it was horses that had chased their car and then them for such a distance.

"They just couldn't believe it."