POLICE arrested two people on suspicion of stealing a van after they initially stopped the vehicle because its occupants were believed not to be wearing seatbelts.

Officers in St Helens stopped a white van on Tuesday (May 22) in order to speak to the occupants, who were believed to not be wearing seatbelts.

Officers say a check of the vehicle showed its was displaying false registration plates.

One person was arrested on suspicion of driving whilst disqualified and of theft of a motor vehicle. A passenger was also arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.

The van was seized on suspicion of being stolen.

Enquiries are ongoing, added police.