Members of the public help cops catch four suspects who fled in a car on false plates

Members of the public helped police detain four suspects who had fled from cops in a car on false plates.

The drama happened on Belmont Road in Bolton on Friday afternoon when police spotted a Vauxhall Corsa.

The Corsa performed 'an impromptu u-turn' to avoid officers and sped away, according to police.

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The vehicle was abandoned on Whitehill Lane and the four occupants fled on foot.

Following a brief foot-chase, they were detained moments later by the police with help from members of the public.

The driver, a boy of 17, was arrested on suspicion of having no insurance and drug driving, a spokesman for Greater Manchester Police confirmed.

The Corsa was on false plates, according to police (@gmptraffic)

"He has been released under investigation pending further enquires," said the spokesman.

No-one has been charged in connection with the incident.

GMP tweeted about the incident from its GMP Traffic account, posting pictures of the Corsa.

The account stated: " #XT64 was out conducting #SpeedEnforcement on Belmont Road when the driver of the Corsa did an impromptu u-turn to avoid the officer.... the Corsa was abandoned on Whitehill and after a foot chase all 4 occupants detained by officers and members of the public! Car on false plates."

It added later: "Driver arrested drug driving. No licence and no insurance."

One of their followers responded: "And well done to the local public for assisting an officer in need."