Two teenage boys have been arrested on suspicion of attempted burglary after a resident foiled raiders as they tried to break into a property.

Police were called to the scene just before 9pm on Sunday, after receiving a report a member of the public had disturbed some people seen trespassing into a private yard in Ethelbert Crescent, Cliftonville.

After finding damage had also been caused to the building, officers broadcast the description of the suspects on their radios.

This resulted in a nearby patrol stopping and arresting two people seen in an alleyway nearby.

A police spokesman said: "Two boys from Margate, aged 13 and 14, were arrested on suspicion of attempted burglary and criminal damage and taken into custody.

"The 14-year-old boy was also arrested on suspicion of possessing an imitation firearm after officers recovered a BB gun."

The young suspects were later released on bail until June 8 as enquiries continue.