TWO 15-year-old boys were arrested on suspicion of burglary after police officers and a helicopter searched gardens in North Oxford.

A National Police Air Service (NPAS) crew joined Thames Valley Police's search of streets and gardens in Sunnymead on Friday night and early yesterday morning.

NPAS tweeted that two people were detained by officers and said another was found by the helicopter crew hiding in a garden.

James Williams, spokesman for Thames Valley Police, said there was a burglary in Jackson Road after which two boys were arrested and released on bail until September 5.

One mother of two, who lives nearby in Cavendish Road and asked not to be named, said: “The police helicopter was overhead for what seemed like a long time and there was a lot of noise and activity on the street, with people running around.

“It was quite scary. There have been a lot of burglaries in the area lately, and I worry about the house – and also for the safety of the children.

“This used to be a calm area but it feels less safe and much less friendly these days.”

A neighbour, who also asked to remain anonymous, said: “We saw a number of officers out in the street at midnight. Some were standing around waiting and others were busy searching for someone. They were clearly too busy to give out any information at the time - and I don't blame them.

"They were working together with the police helicopter, which remained overhead for a long period of time.

“Neighbours came out of their homes or shouted from windows to see what was going on, and were clearly concerned.

“Most people though will be cheered to see this number of officers on the street, especially after the current epidemic of burglaries. Let's hope this has helped bring an end to it.”