TWO crime victims couldn't believe their luck when they spotted their stolen Toyota Land Cruiser being driven through Radcliffe.

The man and wife followed the vehicle in their new car and then confronted the driver and an accomplice as they sat in traffic at Water Street, Radcliffe.

The car thieves made a break for freedom with the woman still clinging to the vehicle. In an attempt to escape, the Land Cruiser, which had been stolen from Fallowfield on July 21, ploughed into two cars and a bus last Thursday (Sept 5).

Inspector John Sargeson, head of Bury's traffic unit, said his officers had interviewed the genuine owners of the Toyota, who live in Bolton, to establish what had happened.

He said: "Two people, including the wife of the true car owner, and a woman whose car was in collision with the Toyota in Water Street were taken to hospital after the incident for treatment to minor injuries.

"The Toyota was eventually abandoned in Radcliffe New Road and the two male occupants ran off. Police officers conducted a search of the area using tracker dogs and one of the males from the stolen car was arrested a short distance away.

"Inquires to trace the other male are continuing."

The arrested man is believed to have been bailed pending further police investigations.