Two men have been charged with burglary after two expensive cars were stolen from houses in East Lancashire.

Officers in Rossendale charged the men, aged 27 and 21 in connection with the burglaries, which took place in Bacup in the early hours of Sunday July 10.

A spokesperson for the police said: "It is believed the men had gained entry to the properties and stolen car keys before making off in the occupants’ vehicles.

"On Sunday July 19 officers from Rossendale spotted three vehicles being driven in Rawtenstall at high speeds.

"One of the vehicles was later stopped in the GMP area and the two occupants were arrested."

Marcus Lawrence, 27, from Avondale Road, Stretford, was charged with three counts of burglary dwelling and theft offences, and two theft of motor vehicle offences.

He was due to appear at Preston Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

Regan Harte, 21, of Morgan Place, Stockport, was been charged with two burglary dwelling and theft offences, and two theft of motor vehicle offences.

He was due to appear at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

The spokesperson added: "Following enquiries one of the stolen vehicles was recovered in the Bury area and the other was located in the Langley area of Manchester."