TWO men suspected have been arrested hundreds of miles from the scene of a burglary - that was committed just hours before.

Detectives have been praised after two suspected thieves, who "fled from the scene" in Newcastle, were arrested hundreds of miles away despite the crime being committed just hours before.

At about 4.50pm on Thursday, March 12, police received a report that intruders had stolen jewellery and family gold from an address in the west end of Newcastle.

It was reported that a man had turned up at the address on Thorntree Drive and claimed to be from a water company before forcing his way into the address.

The man threatened a 62-year-old woman, who was later found in a "highly distressed state", and fled the scene in what was believed to be a dark grey BMW vehicle.

Officers were able to locate the vehicle as it drove south and into Hertfordshire.

Two men, both aged 29, have been arrested and charged in connection with the raid.

Detective Chief inspector Angela Hufton has praised the quick response of officers and says it should reassure residents in Newcastle.

She said: "This was clearly a well thought out burglary and it does not seem to be an opportunistic theft.

"The victim is uninjured but is very shaken up by the ordeal and she is receiving a lot of support from ourselves at this time.

"I want to thank the members of the public and residents in the area who have already assisted the investigation.

"But I want to pay a special thanks to the investigative team who have worked tirelessly through the night to identify the suspicious vehicle and arrest two suspects.

"A large quantity of stolen goods have been recovered thanks to their efforts and a lot of those items were of significant sentimental value to the victims.

"I hope our response reassures residents across the city and encourages those who witness suspicious activity to get in touch with police."

The two men arrested, who have been charged with aggravated burglary, are due to appear before Bedlington Magistrates’ Court on Monday, March 16.

Anyone with information about the break-in, or anyone who saw a grey BMW in the area on Thursday night, is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 777 12/03/20.

You can also report online at the Northumbria Police website or contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.