A brave Brit has helped smash a gang staging violent robberies after he chased two thieves on a motorbike for over 20 miles when one of them stole his GBP-30,000 Rolex watch from him outside his home.

One suspect, identified as a 35-year-old Italian man, was arrested in the area of Elviria just outside of Marbella in the southern Spanish region of Andalusia after the British victim chased him and an associate, both fleeing on a motorbike, in his car in the early hours of 23rd August.

The police said the two men, and a third accomplice who owns the motorbike, are believed to be part of a criminal organisation that carry out violent robberies and muggings in the area.

The gang usually targets the wearers of expensive jewellery and high-end watches, and escape on motorbikes after carrying out the thefts.

The Italian suspect reportedly attacked the 41-year-old British man as he arrived home in the area of Mijas, and made off with his GBP-30,000 Rolex watch.

The suspects fled on their motorbike and the victim gave chase in his car, following them to Elviria, just east of Marbella, around 34 kilometres away (21 miles).

At one point, the Italian suspect’s accomplice lost control of the motorbike and both men ended up crashing to the ground, according to local media.

The police caught one suspect hiding behind a parked car shortly after the motorbike crash while his accomplice managed to flee the scene and still remains at large.

Officers said they caught the suspect trying to hide the stolen watch behind the parked car’s wheel.

The police transferred the suspect to the police station and took a statement from the British victim.

Officers have identified the suspect’s accomplice, who is yet to be arrested, as well a third gang member, identified as a 28-year-old Spanish man, who owned the motorbike and is believed to have been aware of what it was being used for.

The investigation is ongoing.