GALLANT neighbours grabbed a burglar as he tried to escape - but were forced to let go when a car drove at them at speed.

Four good Samaritans went to investigate after spotting a man acting suspiciously on Lynton Cresent.

They restrained the suspect after he tried to run away but were forced to let him go after a white Volvo car drove at them at speed.

The man got into the car, which again drove towards the neighbours at speed before driving off along Lynton Crescent and Bude Road.

Another man was also seen coming out the back of the house that had been broken into and running through a number of gardens as he fled the area.

The burglary happened at round 4.15pm on Friday, May 18.

Cheshire Police are urging anyone who witnessed anything that may help with their investigation to get in touch.

Detective Inspector Ian Whiley, of Widnes Local Policing Unit, said: “I would like to reassure residents that this appears to be an isolated incident and we have increased patrols in the area.

“The incident could have been far more serious than it was. Thankfully none of the good Samaritans who acted to help their neighbour were injured by the car and nothing appears to have been stolen from the house.

“Enquiries into the incident are ongoing and we are doing all that we can to identify the offenders and bring them to justice.”

The man who was restrained by the neighbours is described as white, around 20 to 30 years old and approximately 6ft tall.

He had an athletic build with shoulder-length brown hair and light stubble.

He was wearing large dark brown tinted sunglasses, a camouflage-coloured baseball cap, a grey lightweight waterproof jacket and dark shorts and he spoke with a Liverpudlian accent.

The man who was driving the car is described as white, of average build and around 30 years old. He had a round face, was clean shaven and had short light blond hair.

The man who was seen coming out the back of the house was also white. He was of slim build, around 5ft 10ins tall and was wearing dark clothing.

DI Whiley said: “If you recognise the descriptions of the offenders and think you may know who they are please call Cheshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 67750, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

“We also want to hear from anyone who saw any aspect of the burglary, anything suspicious in the area at the time or any of the offenders fleeing the scene.”