AN ALLEGED thief took off at a crawl after stealing a milk float.

The electronically-powered float, which has a top speed of just 15-miles-per-hour, was taken from Whalley New Road, Blackburn.

Police said the engine was left running while the milkman made an early morning delivery on Saturday at 5.50am.

Fire crews and police were called to the scene while the bemused milkman gave chase to the slow moving vehicle.

It is alleged a thief was trying to set fire to the float as it was being driven along Whalley New Road.

The float was abandoned near Roe Lee Park in Emerald Avenue.

Inspector Oliver Jones said: "While the milkman was making a delivery an offender took the milk float while the engine was still running.

"An offender was seen running in the direction of the Brownhill roundabout and an arrest was made."

A 30-year-old man has been arrested and has been questioned by police.

The milkman refused to comment.