DETECTIVES investigating two car thefts in which the owners heroically tried to stop a thief escaping have made an arrest.

In the latest raid in Bloomfield Road on Wednesday a black BMW was stolen from 44-year-old Justin Dean while he was shutting the premises of Cooper Clarke at 5.35pm.

Police linked the theft with that of a Skoda Yeti from Starlight Bedrooms' owner Alan Shuttleworth on February 7.

Mr Shuttleworth leapt onto the bonnet of his car after the thief drove it at him, before being flung off round the corner.

A 25-year-old man has now been arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, but the investigation is still ongoing.

He is currently being quizzed in police custody. The Bolton News understands that detectives believe the man carried out both thefts.

In the latest theft, the victim ran back to the car when he saw the squatting thief sneak inside. 

He tried to drag the thief out of the car but was unsuccessful and knocked to the ground as the BMW sped away. 

Detectives are investigating the possibility the incident is linked to Starlight Bedrooms theft, which took place at about 3.20pm.

Car keys had been left in the ignition on both occasions.

Det Insp Sarah May, said: "These incidents are strikingly similar both in terms of the manner and location in which they were stolen.

"We are investigating both thoroughly and keeping an entirely open mind as to any connection.

"Both men have tried to prevent their own cars being stolen and in doing so have been knocked to the ground. Both suffered minor injury and when the CCTV is viewed it is safe to say both are fortunate to be alive as either could have easily been dragged under their cars and killed.

"These two incidents also demonstrate that it only takes an opportune second for a thief to strike and so I would encourage everyone to always take their keys out of the ignition, regardless of how long you are leaving your car unattended for."

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 5608 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.