Neighbours chase thieves one mile after police fail to turn up

When a young couple, suspected of stealing cash from an elderly woman, were spotted back on her street neighbours were determined they should be brought to justice.

Unfortunately the police appeared to be not so concerned.

Despite a series of 999 calls the police did not arrive and it was left up to a group of neighbours to turn detective before it was too late.

The posse of half a dozen men and women followed the pair for a mile to the local railway station and even persuaded the driver to halt the train they had boarded when police had still not arrived.

Meanwhile, two of the group dashed 300 yards to the nearest police station and finally persuaded two officers to turn out.

The police got there 90 minutes after the original 999 call and by that time both suspects had fled the train.

Yesterday the neighbours involved in the incident criticised police for forcing them to take matters into their own hands.

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