THREE Bradford men have appeared before York magistrates following a police helicopter chase.

A police car was allegedly hit during the incident near Wetherby Service Station on Wednesday and police dogs were used in fields near the services.

Abraham John Fox, 27, William Lowther, 47, and Ross Sutcliffe, 29, were remanded in custody.

All three are charged with three burglaries of outbuildings in Plompton, south of Knaresborough, on Wednesday.

During the burglaries tools and equipment worth at least £6,000 are alleged to have been stolen.

Fox, of Rowanwood Gardens, Bradford, Lowther of Copgrove Road, Bradford, and Sutcliffe of Stirling Crescent, Bradford, are all charged with aggravated driving of a Toyota Hilux without the owners consent on the A1(M) near Ingmanthorpe, just north of Wetherby.

The driving charge alleges that while they were with the vehicle, gates were damaged.

Magistrates decided the case was too serious for them to deal with and sent them to York Crown Court to be tried by a judge and jury.

The three will appear before the higher court on February 17 when they will be asked to enter their pleas.