BUNGLING burglars who stole a bag from an Astley Bridge house dropped it at another property they broke into 20 minutes later.

Police have arrested one of the men responsible for the break-ins with a second now being hunted.

The raiders also threw a laptop stolen from the first burglary at Waverley Road at the victim of the second break-in at a house in Wynne Street, Halliwell.

Insp Wayne Readfern, of Bolton North neighbourhood policing team, said the stolen bag and laptop helped them link the crimes.

He said: “These men committed a burglary on Waverley Road during the early hours on Tuesday, November 18.

“They then committed a second burglary on Wynne Street within 15 minutes of the Waverley Road incident.

“We categorically know that these were the same offenders because they were disturbed by the victim at Wynne Street and one of the offenders threw a laptop at him that was stolen from Waverley Road.

“A mountain bike valued at £3,500 was stolen from the second burglary, but was later recovered by the police during the arrest of the suspect.

"One male is still outstanding on suspicion of that same offence and we are actively seeking to arrest him.”

The duo are two white men, in their teens, who had their faces covered and spoke with local accents. One is about 5ft 9in tall.

A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of burglary, while police hunt another suspect.

They broke into the terraced house in Waverley Road through an unlocked door,in the early hours, which disturbed the occupant.

They stole a laptop, satchel and purse.

In the next burglary in Wynne Street at 2.44am they smashed glass in the back door before stealing a £3,500 mountain bike and a coin collection.

They also dropped the other items stolen from Waverley Road, including a bank card and bag belonging to the victim.

Police found the stolen bike when they made the arrest.

Anyone with information can call police on 0161 8565761 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.