TWO men have been arrested after a string of early hours car break-ins across Rowley Regis and Stourbridge.

Police said they received multiple reports of cars being broken into in Rowley Regis, Wordsley and Oldswinford between 1am and 2.20am yesterday (Monday February 24).

Witnesses reported suspects driving around in a silver Vauxhall Astra estate.

Police spotted the car and with the help of the force helicopter arrested two men - a 20-year-old from Oldbury and a 20-year-old from Tipton.

Weapons including bats, crowbars and suspected stolen tools were recovered from the boot of the Astra.

A force spokesman said: "Officers on patrol in Oldswinford spotted the car, but it failed to stop and sped off.

"A short time later the car pulled over on Bushey Fields Drive, close to Russell’s Hall Hospital, but the occupants ran off.

"With the help of the police helicopter two men were tracked and arrested.

"Weapons including bats, crowbars and suspected stolen tools were recovered from the boot of the Astra."

A 20-year-old man from Oldbury was arrested for taking a car without consent, theft from a motor vehicle, attempted theft from a motor vehicle, going equipped for stealing, and criminal damage.

A second man, also aged 20, and from Tipton was arrested for attempted theft from a motor vehicle and criminal damage.

The pair were taken into custody and questioned about their involvement in a range of crimes.

They have been released on bail with conditions while enquiries continue.