A BRAVE landlord tackled a burglar and prevented him getting away with thousands of pounds.

Nick Hogan, landlord of the Holden Arms tapas bar, Grane Road, Helmshore, was alerted after regular David Pilling saw somebody sneak upstairs.

Nick, who has an 11-year-old son, Johnathan, was working with his wife, Denise, at the time.

He said: "If David hadn't have noticed him going upstairs, he probably would have got away with what was in the safe.

"Luckily, Johnathan was out at his friends at the time but we dread to think what could have happened if he was upstairs playing on his PlayStation. If he had have been at home it could have been a lot worse." Nick caught the man in his office trying to break into the safe, where he managed to hold him for five minutes until the police arrived.

He said: "It felt weird, having to deal with the situation. I did what I thought was right because I didn't want him to get away and do the same again to somebody else.

"It was quite frightening, but the burglar didn't attempt to use any violence. He knew his number was up. The police response was fantastic and I can't thank them enough.

"Burglaries are quite a problem for people living in this area. Only last week somebody tried to break in, a window had been smashed downstairs but, luckily, they didn't manage to gain entry.

"Instead targeted a neighbouring house and broke in there.

"My wife and I are working closely with all of the neighbours to try to prevent any more burglaries.

"We all look out for one another and I want to warn potential thieves that they will not be tolerated in this neighbourhood."

Inspector Roger Ravenscroft praised Nick's efforts. He said: "Although in most circumstances we would not encourage people to tackle burglars themselves, what Mr Hogan did was very brave and he deserves commendation for his actions.

"Burglaries in West Rossendale are relatively low. In the main they seem to be committed by people from outside of the area.

"I am very supportive of any neighbourhood watch schemes and recommend residents to take part, as they help to reduce the number of burglaries in an area."

"Crime disorder isn't just a matter for the police, it's a case of everybody working in partnership."

A 32-year-old man from Burnley was remanded in custody to appear before Burnley magistrates charged with burglary.