POLICE are investigating after a burglar crashed a stolen car into a tree 15 minutes after taking it.

Officers received reports that a red Honda Civic had been stolen from Deane Church Lane at around 4.20am on Wednesday morning.

A traffic patrol spotted the car 15 minutes later, and chased it through the borough.

The driver veered off of the road around Gibbon Street, driving along the green space before smashing into a tree and running off.

Officers recovered the car for forensics and have been conducting enquiries.

Whilst chasing after this vehicle, the patrol passed a silver Seat parked up on Hove Street.

The car had been stolen in a burglary in April, and had been fitted with fake number plates.

Officers have now recovered the car and are investigating.

Greater Manchester Police have been contacted for comment.