FOUR people have been arrested in connection with the theft of a car after the police helicopter was called in to find them.

Just before 11am on Tuesday, morning, a silver Ford Galaxy was reported stolen from a house in Ripon.

Police immediately attended the area and began searching for the stolen vehicle.

Officers found the car abandoned at about 12.15pm and a several people were seen running from it.

Air support was called in from the NPAS police helicopter, and officers on the ground continued to search the immediate area.

By 1pm, four people had been arrested, all on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.

A man in his 20s and three teenagers remain in custody at this time.

The car has been recovered for forensic examination.

North Yorkshire Police thanked the public for their patience while officers were searching the area.