THREE teenagers have been arrested after a masked moped gang tried to carjack drivers stopped at traffic lights across Southampton.

Police launched an investigation after a number of incidents at locations across the city where riders wearing balaclavas tried to open the doors of cars stopped at traffic lights on Wednesday.

The incidents happened at 2.21am on the M271 at Nursling, at 3.01am on Portswood Road and at 3.27am on Charlotte Place.

Police said the group was also seen in St Vincent’s Walk, Redbridge Causeway, Clover Nooke and Bedford Place between 2.16am and 3.14am.

Two 15-year-old boys from the New Forest area and a 17-year-old boy from Southampton have now been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery.

Following the incidents, Acting Chief Inspector Mel Golding said: “Be alert but not alarmed. If you are concerned, take an extra precaution like locking your vehicle from the inside. If approached, drive away if safe to do so and sound your horn to get attention. Call 999.”

The incidents come after nuisance riders were caught on the field behind the Coxford Community Centre last month.

Officers leading Operation Torque – an initiative to reduce motorcycle nuisance and prosecute dangerous drivers – responded to the sight of four bikers riding recklessly in the area at around 3.30pm.