A man who chased a thief around Bingley after seeing him steal a paperboy’s bicycle has been commended by police for his community spirit.

Declan Corby, 26, saw a man jump on a bike he knew belonged to the paperboy he sees almost every day on his route to work, in Ghyllwood Drive at 7.40am on Thursday.

Mr Corby, who lives in Bingley and works as a welder at C and C Hydraulics in Keighley, chased the 24-year-old and caught up with him near Poplar House, detaining him until police arrived.

West Yorkshire Police awarded Mr Corby a commendation at Airedale House Police Station yesterday, thanking him for going above and beyond what would be expected of a bystander.

He said he didn’t think twice about chasing down the criminal, adding: “Once I put two and two together I realised it was the paperboy’s bike.

“I felt sorry for the paperboy because I see him every morning.”

Chief Inspector Darren Williams said: "He showed great determination in chasing the thief. Whilst we acknowledge there are always risks when members of the public choose to involve themselves in these types of situations, the risks in this case were minimal.”

* A 24-year-old man from Bingley received a caution in relation to the offence after admitting theft.