Boy, 10, in stolen car terror ride

A TERRIFIED 10-year-old boy clung to the back seat as an opportunist thief drove off in his father’s car.

The thief only realised the frightened youngster was in the back of the silver Ford Galaxy when he hit another car.

He then dumped the vehicle — and the boy — about half a mile away.

The drama unfolded shortly after 12.30pm yesterday when the youngster’s father parked in Manchester Street, Werneth, and got out to look in a shop window.

The thief jumped into the car and drove off with the boy in the back before he was involved in a minor collision in near-by Pass Street. Realising the child was in the car, he abandoned it in Block Lane and ran off.

The youngster was not hurt during the five-minute ordeal and police believe the thief may have bragged about the incident to friends.

He is white, in his mid to late 20s, with very short hair, a skinny face and was wearing casual clothing.

Det Sgt Jamie Daniels, from Oldham CID, said: “This little boy’s parents were out of their minds with worry because of this opportunistic thief. We are all relieved that he is safe and well but we are still determined to catch the person who did this.

“Criminals might think stealing a car has very little effect on the owners, but today’s incident proves the opposite and we are taking this crime very seriously.

“It’s highly likely this man has bragged to someone about what he did.

“If you know who he is I urge you to get in touch and do the right thing.”

Anyone with information should contact Oldham CID on 0161-856 8951 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555 111.