Silently speeding through traffic-clogged streets, cycling champ PC Guy Etherton is the secret new weapon in the fight against crime.

Since joining the Sussex force in Brighton in August last year, the pedal-pushing policeman has made 22 arrests.

He has apprehended bike thieves, drug dealers, violent criminals and carders, who put prostitutes' numbers up in phone boxes, all thanks to his nationally-recognised skill in the saddle.

He even pedalled into the St James' Street branch of Sainsbury's, steering his way through the aisles, to break up a fight.

Now his dedication to duty is set to be rewarded with a recommendation for a force commendation.

PC Etherton, 25, said: "Some people still chuckle when they see a copper on a bike but in Brighton it's fantastic.

"When you're pursuing someone through all the narrow lanes, it's the perfect way to get around."

PC Etherton took one of the force's standard mountain bikes and souped it up to handle the city's roads, lanes and fields.

He said: "One time I was on patrol in The Level and spotted a bike similar to one reported stolen. I cycled up to the gentleman who saw me and rode off.

"I chased him down London Road and caught up with him. It didn't take too long. I managed to detain him outside a shop and when he was searched, he was carrying loads of drugs."

PC Etherton began cycling in races at 16 and was ranked fourth in the UK's professional league while studying at university as well as being named the national under-25 champion in 1995.

He said: "I always wanted to be in the police force so as soon as I finished college I joined up.

"It's great to be able to use my cycling at work. I normally find that, even if people are pedalling away from me as fast as they can, it's only a matter of time before I catch them up."

Inspector Helen West said: "One minute he's in Whitehawk, the next he's in Moulsecoomb.

"He has got a free hand to decide where he needs to be and because he's so fast he often gets to incidents faster than patrol cars."