Residents across Stoke-on-Trent once again looked to the skies today as the National Police Air Service (NPAS) fixed-wing aircraft spent several hours circling above the city in support of Staffordshire Police.

The aircraft was deployed to assist officers carrying out ongoing enforcement against the illegal use of e-scooters, modified e-bikes and off-road motorcycles, with aerial surveillance helping direct patrols to vehicles of interest across the city.

The operation forms part of Staffordshire Police's continued efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour and road traffic offences linked to illegal electric vehicles and off-road bikes, which have generated repeated complaints from residents.

People across Stoke reported seeing the distinctive NPAS aircraft making repeated circuits over the city throughout the afternoon, with many taking to social media to ask why it remained overhead for so long.

Police have previously used the fixed-wing aircraft to track suspects, monitor vehicles from the air and provide real-time intelligence to officers on the ground, allowing patrols to respond more effectively without alerting those being monitored.

While the full results of today's deployment have not yet been released, similar operations in recent weeks have led to the seizure of illegal e-scooters, modified e-bikes and off-road motorcycles, alongside enforcement action against riders found to be breaking the law.

Staffordshire Police have said they will continue carrying out proactive operations across Stoke-on-Trent as part of their campaign to improve road safety and reduce anti-social vehicle use.

Anyone with information about the illegal use of e-scooters, e-bikes or off-road motorcycles is encouraged to report it to Staffordshire Police.