TWO passengers ran off after police stopped an untaxed lorry in Southampton.

The vehicle's tax expired more than a year ago - and a motorbike on the back of the vehicle is believed to have been stolen.

Police detained one of the people in the lorry but two others fled the scene.

Posting on social media Southampton Cops said a police dog handler seized the Transit lorry in Gover Road, Redbridge, for having no tax.

They added: "Two passengers jumped from the vehicle and ran off towards Test Lane and general direction of the Lordshill area.

"The dog handler held on to the driver whilst Southampton Cops swooped or descended on the area.

"Neighbourhood Officers from Redbridge and Response officers from Southampton and Portswood attended the area to search for the run away suspects. Sadly they were not located.

"We suspect they were collected by associates. One was last seen running towards the M271 and the Causeway. The other towards Redbridge Towers.

The van has been seized and the driver will have to pay the road tax before he can pay for the recover and storage charges. Then he can have the vehicle back.

"We are making attempts to identify the motorbike. Thanks to the local residents who helped us with the search."