A car was stolen in Astley Bridge a short time after a man parked it to go and visit his son.

The blue Mercedes was locked when its owner left it near the Cotton Works on Blackburn Road on Sunday evening.

But when he returned a short time later the car had gone with no obvious explanation as to how the thieves had gained entry.

 

The son of the man whose car it was, explained why it would cause so much inconvenience for the family.

The 41-year-old tax accountant said: “My dad had gone to see my brother.

“He had parked the car off the cotton works on Blackburn Road.

“He parked it and he went into the house for around 20 minutes.

“He came out 20 minutes later and it was gone.

“We have no idea how it was taken.

“He had gone in and locked the car.

“We do not know if it was an opportune theft or if he was being watched.”

He went on to say: “My dad has got a few medical conditions.

“He has to go to and from hospital and to appointments.

“It is going to be a concern until the insurance company sorts out a hire car.”

He added: “I live in Astley Bridge as well, I would probably say it is a safe area.

“It has had a few thefts but I had not heard of any for a while but then when it happens to you it is a shock.

“Police have just recorded the crime incident, we have not really heard much else back from them.

“I would urge anyone with information to contact the police.”

The theft has been reported to Greater Manchester Police.

Last week a vehicle was stolen from Lever Edge Lane a short time after the owner parked it.

On that occasion the vehicle was also locked.