A BURGLARY suspect was tackled to the ground by a homeowner after he tried to break into his house.

The occupant of a house in Cobden Street, Gateshead pursued the suspect after confronting him in his home.

He fled the address but was chased on foot by the victim following the alleged break-in at around 6pm yesterday.

A neighbour helped to detain the suspect before officers have arrived on scene and placed him under arrest.

The 41-year-old remains in custody after being arrested on suspicion of burglary and enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

It is understood no valuable items were taken from the property.

Now the victim and his neighbour have been praised by police for their quick-thinking in detaining the suspect.

Sergeant Tony Scott, of Northumbria Police's central burglary team, said: "Burglary is a very intrusive offence that can be very distressing victims.

"The victim has been very brave to confront the suspect before chasing him out of the address.

"We were quickly on scene to make an arrest but credit should really go to the victim and the neighbour who came to his aid.”

Detective Sergeant Scott added: "We carry out proactive patrols where we have intelligence that burglaries have taken place but we would also urge the public to take steps to safeguard themselves.

"Always keep your doors and ground-floor windows locked at night as it could be a target for opportunist thieves.

"Also keep keys and valuables away from the main entrance to your home. Keep them out of sight and out of reach of offenders.

"If you have any concerns about suspicious behaviour in your neighbourhood then call police or report it online."

If you want to report suspicious activity in Cobden Street last night, or information about the burglary in question, then call 101 quoting log 868 15/08/18.