Police have released CCTV footage of two suspected petrol thieves running out of fuel outside a petrol station.

The men are believed to be responsible for a spate of petrol forecourt drive offs across Greater Manchester totalling nearly £1,000.

Just after 7pm on Thursday May 5, a black Volkswagen Golf with stolen registration plates was caught on CCTV about to drive onto the forecourt of Tesco Express, Ardwick Green. The vehicle then appeared to run out of petrol.

The driver and passenger got out of the car and pushed it towards the petrol pump. The car was filled with fuel and they drove off without paying.

It is believed the two men are responsible for seven other drive offs from a number of forecourts in West Didsbury, Hulme, Withington, Bolton, Denton and Stockport between 5 April and 7 April.

It is believed the main offender is an asian man, in his early 20s, of slim build and 5ft 10in tall.

Police Constable Pete Baldwin from Longsight and Ardwick Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “This is the kind of thing you see on television and it is ironic that the two men appear to run out of petrol after we believe they have stolen hundreds of pounds worth of fuel.

“The images may be amusing to people but I can assure you the offence is serious and we are determined to catch the offenders. I would urge anyone who saw these men or any of the vehicles to contact us.”

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 872 5050 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111