A GROUP suspected of stealing from sheds and cars in Dudley were confronted by residents.

The four men threatened the residents who challenged them on the Russells Hall estate on Sunday (April 4) .

Their bid to escape from police in a taxi failed and all four were arrested on suspicion of theft from motor vehicles.

A message put out on the force's neighbourhood alert system by C team response based at Brierley Hill police station states: "We were responding to reports of a group stealing from vehicles and sheds and making threats when challenged by residents.

"We arrived on scene with special constables who were also on patrol.

"The four suspects were located attempting to leave the area in a taxi.

"Two of the group ran and were caught following a foot chase.

"All of the four were arrested on suspicion of theft of motor vehicles."

The car the men were using, which had been stolen during a recent robbery in Coseley, was recovered from near Grenville Road.

Police said: "Thanks to the members of public who phoned us we were able to arrive on scene quickly to make the arrests."