Extraordinary police footage shows the moment a prolific Highbury moped crook tried to escape from cops – by driving on the wrong side of the M11.

Zuriel Hutson, 21, of Crowfield House, Highbury New Park, went on a phone snatching spree with accomplice Sharuk Sheraji on June 26 last year.

With Hutson steering, Sheraji stole 18 phones across Westminster, Camden, Islington, Hackney and Tower Hamlets. Police pursued them in Haringey. Sheraji, 22, of Hoxton, attempted to flee on foot but was caught.

Hutson, meanwhile, headed to the North Circular, followed by a police helicopter. He rode at speeds of up to 90mph, weaving in and out of traffic along the M11 causing a number of minor collisons.

Police were forced to close part of the M11 to prevent further danger to motorists. Meanwhile, Hutson tried to squeeze in between two cars, but collided with them. He crashed his moped, losing his shoes, but got back up and continued along the hard shoulder – again against oncoming traffic.

Cops used a “stinger” tyre deflation device ahead of Hutson, which eventually stopped him on the slip road of the M11 to the M25. He then attempted to flee barefoot, but officers caught up.

Hutson will be sentenced on a date to be confirmed at Wood Green Crown Court, having pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal, dangerous driving and breach of a criminal behaviour order. He will be joined by Sheraji, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal and breach of a criminal behaviour order.

Hutson’s twin, Cavell, was jailed for 40 months in October after a similar rampage on September 3. He stole 21 phones in an hour and tried to escape from police by weaving in between shoppers at Kingsland Shopping Centre, Dalston. However, he didn’t take to a motorway.

The Hutson twins and Sheraji were also given time in a young offenders institute in September 2015 for their part in a gang brawl in Islington’s Barnsbury Estate in May 2015.

Det Ch Insp Steve Heatley said today: “Both defendants, Hutson in particular, could have caused serious injury to the victims, the public, other motorists – even themselves – in their callous execution of their crimes and attempts to evade justice. They had no regard for anyone but themselves.

“These offenders rely on the unwariness of the public to snatch their phones whilst they make calls. People hold their private and personal information on their phones. I urge everyone: Don’t make it easy for them. Be aware of your surroundings and keep your phones secure at all times.”

Detectives have identified 17 of the 18 owners of the stolen phones so far, who have had their phones returned to them.