A NORWEB employee who performed a citizen's arrest on a suspected joy rider has been praised by police.

The 33-year-old man, who works as a locksmith for the electricity company, saw a youth in a four wheel drive vehicle race up Weston Street where he was working.

The keen-eyed workman, who does not want to be identified, spotted that the lock on the car door was missing and there were no keys in the ignition.

When the workman, who lives in Bolton, confronted the young driver he ran off and a chase ensued.

After about ten minutes he eventually caught the youth and the police were called.

They confirmed that the vehicle had been reported stolen and the youth was later charged. He appeared before magistrates in Bolton on Thursday.

Supt Ian McLoughlin, of Bolton Police, said that the man's actions were "praiseworthy."

He said: "Although I would not recommend this type of action across the board, this man weighed up the situation and decided to take action.

"It is refreshing for me to know that there are still members of the public who still care for our legal laws and care about justice."

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