TWO Bolton men were arrested by police in Edgworth last night in connection with a spate of overnight car crime and shed break-ins.

Tools and garden equipment, worth an estimated £1,700, were stolen from sheds behind houses in Blackburn Road, Edgworth and Martin Street in Turton.

Tools from a black Ford Escort van parked in Brides Road, Turton, were also stolen. A Peugeot 309 parked in the car park of the Black Bull public house in Bury Road, Edgworth was then targeted by thieves. They escaped empty handed after forcing the lock.

Sgt Andrea Bradbury, of Darwen Police, said two Bolton men aged 31 and 34 were arrested by police in Burgess Street, Edgworth at 3.30am. They were taken to Blackburn Police Station where they were due to be interviewed by investigating officers throughout today.

No charges have been brought.

Police have boosted night-time patrols in Edgworth recently after rising levels of car crime and burglary.