Two moped thieves snatched 18 mobile phones from pedestrians in one afternoon in London before leading police on a 90 mph chase which ended after officers closed the M11 motorway.

Zuriel Hutson, 21, and Sharuk Sheraji, 22, carried out a string of thefts using a high powered stolen moped on a Saturday in June last year.

In just a few hours they snatched 10 phones in Westminster, three in Camden, two in Islington, two in Hackney and one in Tower Hamlets.

The pair were caught after officers from the Met and City Police’s Operation Attrition team, which targets moped snatches, raced to intercept them in unmarked cars with back up from a police helicopter.

The offenders were spotted due to their visibly dangerous riding through the streets. They stopped in Whitehall Street, Haringey.

Sheraji jumped off the moped and attempted to flee on foot, but was caught by the officers. He was found in possession of the 18 stolen phones and was arrested for attempted robbery.

Hutson evaded officers and drove off on the moped, fleeing north onto the North Circular and then onto the M11 where, reaching speeds of 90 mph, he wove in and out of traffic often on the wrong side of the carriageway.

Still pursued by the police helicopter his driving caused motorists to swerve out of his path, though several were involved in minor collisions.

Police were forced to close part of the motorway to prevent further danger to motorists but as Hutson approached the blockade he collided with two cars as he tried to squeeze between a gap in lanes.

The impact forced him to crash, knocking his shoes off his feet as he skidded and rolled along the motorway. He also narrowly avoided being struck by the car behind.

However, Hutson got back up, restarted his moped and continued along the hard shoulder, again against oncoming traffic.

Then police deployed a ‘stinger’ tyre deflation device ahead of the moped which finally slowed him down and eventually forced him to stop on the slip road of the M11 to the M25.

He then attempted to flee on foot, but police soon caught up with him.

The pair, both from Islington, are facing jail today after pleading guilty to various offences at Wood Green Crown Court at an earlier hearing.

Hutson admitted conspiracy to steal, dangerous driving and breach of a Criminal Behaviour Order. Sheraji pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal and breach of a Criminal Behaviour Order.

Detectives have identified 17 of the 18 owners of the stolen mobile phones so far, who have provided statements and had their phones returned to them.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Heatley said: “The convictions should send out a strong message that such incidents will be dealt with robustly by the Met police and the courts.

“Both defendants, Hutson in particular, could have caused serious injury to the victims, the public, other motorists, even themselves, in their callous execution of their crimes and attempts to evade justice. They had no regard for anyone but themselves.

“These offenders rely on the unwariness of the public to snatch their phones whilst they make calls. People hold their private and personal information on their phones. So I urge everyone: Don’t make it easy for them. Be aware of your surroundings and keep your phones secure at all times.”