COUNCILLORS warned that a lack of police on the street could lead to people taking the law into their own hands more than a year ago.

Following a special meeting held with residents in January 2018, Heaton and Lostock councillor Andy Morgan raised concerns over "vigilantes with baseball bats" patrolling the streets.

He blamed government cuts for reducing the number of frontline police officers across the area and making residents feel unsafe.

READ MORE: Meet the crime fighting neighbours taking the law into their own hands in Bolton

Now, after an incident which saw a group of neighbours stop two suspected burglars, Cllr Morgan has reiterated some of his concerns.

He said: "I'm starting to get the impression from people that speak to me that they think the police are not going to come, especially for low level crimes.

"If you are a victim of a burglary, for example, then you are not going to feel safe and I think a lot of people feel like that in the area."

He added: "The neighbourhood police teams have been under resourced for a few years now.

"They are getting back to it and trying to get going again at the moment.

"But, it's a fact that we do not have enough, although the government is looking to get more officers."

The recent burglary incident saw a group of around 20 people stop a pair of would-be burglars from leaving Greenock Close, in the Ladybridge estate, after they were seen entering the home.

While Cllr Morgan said he would not encourage people to take the law into their own hands, he pointed out a line between becoming a vigilante and helping the police.

He said: "There's a big different between vigilantism and actually just stopping people leaving. I would urge people not to try and get involved in these things."

Anyone with concerns about ongoing criminal activity in their neighbourhood should contact police through 101 or the Live Chat on www.gmp.police.uk.