Two youngsters have been praised for their quick actions  and community spirit after spotting a man acting suspiciously near a vehicle on their street.

Five-year-old Arthur Parkinson and his friend Alfie Boardman, seven, were playing outside when they spotted what they thought was a man acting suspiciously near a builder's truck.

They questioned why he was there and the man retreated.

The duo leapt into action at around midday on Friday on Ladyshore Walk in The Haulgh when they saw the man look inside Kevin Hand's truck.

After being quizzed the man left and walked on to Hollins Road. The two ran to tell a parent who let Mr Hand know.

Mr Hand praised the community spirit in the neighbourhood.

The 56-year-old then pursued the man and asked what he was doing looking inside his vehicle.

Mr Hand said that the man told him he was looking inside the truck for a child who had gone missing.

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Mr Hand praised the bravery of the two youngsters and the community on the street where the houses were built just two years ago.

He said: "It was amazing - I am amazed at the youth of tomorrow.

"What a fantastic community we have here that they are able to do that.

"I have been here just over two years, it is a great community."

He added: "These children are brave and we must acknowledge and reward their efforts to protect their neighbourhood.

"Their fearless heroism is something for us adults to aspire to."