AN eagle-eyed neighbour whose actions led to the jailing of two men who attempted to burgle a house in Runcorn has been praised for their community spirit.

Dennis Byrom, 45, and Mark Wakefield, 41, appeared at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday where they were both sentenced to 18 months in prison

The pair, of Castle Rise, Runcorn, had earlier pleaded guilty to attempted burglary and going equipped.

At around 1.30pm on Tuesday, May 28 they were seen acting suspiciously outside a house in Runcorn.

The witness saw them knock at an address on Campbell Avenue and, when there was no response, one of them put on a pair of gloves and climbed over the garden fence.

He proceeded to attempt to force open the patio doors at the rear of the address.

Concerned about their activity, the witness immediately contacted Cheshire Police who swiftly attended the scene and were guided to the suspects by the witness.

The pair were both arrested in a vehicle nearby attempting to flee the scene.

In a subsequent search of the vehicle officers discovered numerous tools consistent with those used in going equipped to commit burglary - including a knuckle duster.

During questioning Byrom and Wakefield had initially denied any involvement in the in the incident.

However, when forensic evidence revealed that the tools found in their car had been used during the incident - the pair both admitted their involvement.

Police constable Stuart Beswick, from Runcorn Beat initiative team, said: "This case truly shows the value of information from the local community and I would like to thank the member of the public who contacted Cheshire police and reported this incident.

"Their actions showed a fantastic community spirit and went a great way to assisting with the case against Wakefield and Byrom.

"I am delighted that the pair are now behind bars serving an 18-month sentence and I hope that this reassures the local community and shows that Runcorn police care about apprehending and bringing criminals to justice."