Police watchdogs have endorsed the tactic of knocking moped thieves off their motorbikes as a "legitimate use of force" for officers with specialist training.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has issued guidance to "support" them in carrying out their duties - and ensure that "any dangerous situations created by police pursuits are brought to an end as swiftly as possible."

The new guidance covers use of alternative tactics, weighing up the severity of the suspected offence, and the likelihood of causing injury to the riders, others and themselves, the IOPC said. It also reinforces that the use of the tactic must be authorised.

The manoeuvre was launched by the Metropolitan Police in 2018 in a blaze of publicity amid efforts to tackle offenders riding motorcycles and mopeds.

But others raised questions about the rights of the suspect, and the protection for officers involved in tactical contact.

Jonathan Green, IOPC deputy director general, said: “The new guidance helps officers weigh up the risks in fast-moving situations so that they can carry out stops effectively, and at the same time offers reassurance to the public that the tactic is used as safely and proportionately as possible.”

The guidance was based on five IOPC investigations. One was a misconduct meeting where a Met police officer knocked a teenager on a stolen moped unconscious after using his car to halt him. The IOPC decided action was needed on his justification.