Thieves stole car and drove off with seven-year-old boy still in passenger seat

Photo: Google DigitalGlobe

The car was stolen on Whitworth Road

Theives stole a green Toyota Yaris on Whitworth Road on Saturday night and drove off with the seven-year-old passenger still in.

They headed towards Shawclough before stopping and removing the boy, leaving him by the side of the road.

Witness Shiraz Ashfaq said: “I was driving with a friend on Saturday night on streets off Whitworth Road when we saw a boy of about seven on his own on the pavement. He was very upset.

“We phoned the police but we saw a crowd of people outside the take-away and the boy recognised his father. His dad was very relieved.”

A GMP spokesperson said: "Police were called at around 11pm on Saturday 17 December 2016, to a report of a theft of a green Toyota Yaris on Whitworth Road, Rochdale.

"Unknown offenders entered the car and drove it towards Shawclough before stopping and removing a seven-year-old boy who was in the front passenger seat of the car. The boy has been reunited with family and is safe and well.

"Officers have launched an investigation and enquiries are ongoing to trace the car."

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting reference number 2644 of 17/12/16 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.