An stolen car was found in Bolton town centre after the suspected thieves left a permit in the window showing its correct number plates.

Police say that community support officers came across the dark blue car while on patrol in Bolton town centre over the course of Sunday.

Officers say  that the car had had cloned plates attached but on closer inspection they could see the correct number plate had been left in the window.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “ PCSOs have attended an incident involving an abandoned vehicle.

“On inspection this vehicle was on cloned number plates, and a permit in the windscreen displaying the correct number plate enabled officers to become aware this vehicle was an outstanding stolen.

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“This vehicle has been seized and will be returned to its rightful owner!”

An image supplied by police at the scene shows the car being towed away from what appears to be the Trinity Street car park in Bolton town centre.

Anyone with any information or concerns about car theft or other crimes can call police on 101 or 999 in the event of an emergency.

Alternatively, witnesses can call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.