EIGHT bikes suspected of being stolen have been found in a squat in Brighton.

Police have launched Operation Ensnare to tackle the number of bike thefts in the city.

While investigating a report of a theft they found the haul of bikes and some wheels in a disused building in Preston Road.

The bikes have now been recovered and taken to Brighton police station.

Sergeant James Ward said: "We are making enquiries to try and trace the bike owners but if anyone who has had a bike stolen and thinks it may have been found in the squat from the photos, please get in touch with us."

Meanwhile officers were able to reunite a victim with his bike which had been stolen from Paddock Field in the University of Brighton campus sometime between last Thursday night and Friday morning.

The Muddyfox mountain bike was found in Chailey Road by a resident on Friday afternoon and reported to police.

PCSO Andy Mcallister returned the bike to its owner Georgios Pichis, who said: "I was amazed that the police found my bike.

"I use it everyday to get to university and to get around the city – It is so important for me to have my bike as I hate buses and could not pay for them every day.

"I am in the police’s debt and want to say a big thank you."