VIGILANT neighbours helped police catch three men suspected of robbing a convenience store.

And now residents living in the Over Hulton area of Bolton are hoping the arrests send out a strong message to would be thieves looking to target the area.

The drama unfolded at around midday on Monday after residents reported seeing three people trying car doors in residential areas off Manchester Road, close to the McColl's store, which was later robbed.

One resident, living on Rutherford Drive, spotted the three walking down the street brazenly trying car doors before disappearing through a ginnel which led to the store. She was alerted by her dogs barking and saw one of them coming up her drive before walking off before doubling back to try the car door of a neighbour's car.

Knowing something was not right, she took picture from an upstairs window.

She said: "They tried the car where a woman was sat in with her baby. I don't think they knew someone was in a car, and opened the passenger door. She said something to them and got out of the car to speak to them.

"Then they disappeared down the ginnel."

The resident got into her car to follow where they were going and saw them coming out of McColls and contacted police. After spotting the car, the three dropped their loot and ran off, before doubling back to try and get it, with one of the three coming towards her car, before making off.

She followed them at a safe distance as they ran across Manchester Road, down a farm track into a field and another shop, trying the door of a van as they went, when another man came out.

It is understood that police attended quite quickly and thanks to the information provided by residents were able to trace and apprehend the suspects.

"It wasn't just me, other residents were also contacting police about what was happening. I am so pleased they have been caught and it sends out a message.

"I had a break-in and our new car was stolen. I am just fed-up with people who think they can go around doing this. The community around here do look out for each other, we are a Neighbourhood Watch area."

The resident sent leaflets to other houses letting them know what had happened to encourage vigilance in the area and had also spoken to staff at McColl's.

"Thankfully no one was hurt and the three were arrested," she said.

Police confirmed after receiving calls from witnesses in the area they detained three men on suspicion of robbery in relation to the theft at McColl's.