Have-a-go neighbours tackle burglar

Neighbours on a Chadderton street have revealed how they wrestled a suspected thief to the floor after catching him in their gardens, despite fearing he had a knife.

The group of three have-a-go heroes chased the man through rear gardens in Houseley Avenue before catching him in the early hours of yesterday.

The trio kept the suspected burglar - already wanted for theft and for recall to prison - detained until officers arrived minutes later.

One of the men involved said: “It all happened so fast. I was woken up by shouting in the street. I realised someone had spotted a thief who was trying to get away. I didn’t even think; I just jumped into action. A few of us chased him through the gardens and caught him.”

The suspect, who was carrying a screwdriver, was eventially taken away by police.

The men were praised by fellow residents of the street for their bravery.

One said: “It’s good to see neighbours looking out for each other and they got the job done. They deserve a thank-you for risking themselves.”

A 38-year-old man has been charged with going equipped to steal, four counts of theft, causing actual bodily harm, possessing an offensive weapon, possession of a knife in a public place and theft from a shop. He was due to appear before Oldham magistrates today.