Sinn Féin's Gerry Kelly 'tackled would-be car thief'

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Sinn Féin politician Gerry Kelly has said he helped a neighbour to prevent a car theft in the early hours of Wednesday.

The North Belfast MLA said he was woken by a noise outside his west Belfast home at around 05:00 BST.

He said he and a neighbour made a citizens' arrest when they saw a youth "who appeared to be stealing" a car.

Police arrested a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of burglary, attempted theft, threats to kill and breach of bail.

Mr Kelly said when he was woken, he "got dressed and went outside, and discovered that someone had broken into one of my neighbours' houses".

"The police were called and I helped my neighbour restrain the individual until the police arrived," he added.

"I want to thank the passing motorist who raised the alarm and blocked the car from leaving the driveway.

"Car crime is a serious issue and no one needs the expense of having to repair or replace a car which has been stolen."

A police spokesman said the teenager was arrested "after being detained by members of the public following an incident at a house".

He remains in custody, assisting police with their enquiries.