OFFICERS swooped on two suspected thieves within five minutes after an alert neighbour spotted a man and a woman breaking into a car.

Shortly after 2.15am on Sunday, May 2, a resident in the Downhill area of Sunderland reported two people were acting suspiciously and were trying to force their way into a parked vehicle.

Response officers from Northumbria Police were deployed to the scene and carried out a thorough search of the area.

A man and a woman who matched the description given by the caller were located in the Kentucky Road area and placed in handcuffs.

Both were arrested on suspicion of vehicle interference – but the woman proceeded to kick out at an arresting PC, making direct contact with the officer’s chest.

She was subsequently also arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police constable.

Both suspects have since been charged and are due to appear before the courts.

Chief Inspector Nicola Wearing, of Northumbria Police, said: “This was a fantastic effort by the officers who were at the scene within five minutes of the resident’s call coming in.

“I’d like to thank the resident who made the decision to pick up the phone and get in touch – they absolutely did the right thing, and their detailed account helped lead our officers directly towards two suspects that were found nearby."

“Unfortunately, one of the suspects did not take too kindly to being placed under arrest and proceeded to kick one of our PCs in the chest.

“There is absolutely no place for this type of offending and I’d like to thank the officer in question for their professionalism and dedication while apprehending a suspect.

“These two suspects will appear in court later this year charged with vehicle-related offences, and I’d like to reassure the public that our officers are out on patrol every single day looking to tackle thieves and burglars.

“But as ever, you are our eyes and ears and this case highlights the importance of passing information on to us. If you see anybody acting suspiciously in your community, tell us – and that can help us get resources to the scene quickly in order to take swift and robust action.”

A 23-year-old woman has since been charged with vehicle interference and assault by beating of a PC, while a 32-year-old man has been charged with vehicle interference.