A 21-year-old man and two teenagers have appeared in court following a spate of high-value car thefts in the north east.

Ricky Forrester, 21, was charged with theft and various charges under the Road Traffic Act 1988 when he appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court today.

A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, also faced various charges under the same act.

Neither made any plea or declaration and both were remanded in custody.

The Procurator Fiscal is still considering a report concerning concerning two 16-year-old girls, a 21-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman in connection with alleged incidents in Aberdeen and Inverurie on December 12.

A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, also appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court today.

He faced three charges of theft of a motor vehicle, one of theft by housebreaking, reset and various charges under the Road Traffic Act 1988.

He made no plea or declaration and was released on bail.

A Crown Office spokesman said: "The Procurator Fiscal has also received a report relating to an incident involving a 16-year-old male, said to have occurred in Aberdeen on December 13.

"The report is under consideration by the Procurator Fiscal".

A case involving a further two other boys who were reported to the Procurator Fiscal in relation to the incident has been passed to the Children's Reporter.