A police car is thought to have been stolen by "a child" after an officer abandoned the vehicle to chase a suspect on foot.

In a video shared online, a BMW 4x4 is driven recklessly in a street in Kirkholt, Rochdale.

The vehicle is seen moving along the pavement with its emergency blue lights on as it bounces off kerbs.

Neighbours were spotted watching the incident unfold with some bystanders laughing at the car zipped along the road.

As neighbours watched on, a video of the incident was posted online with the caption: "Local kids steal a police car."

Greater Manchester police confirmed they were aware of the footage and have identified the suspect "for further action".

However, officers did not give any details about the suspect's age.

A force spokesperson said one of their officers left the vehicle to chase a man in a nearby shop following a police chase.

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A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, and driving with no licence and no insurance.

The suspect was also arrested on suspicion of possessing a bladed article, assault of an emergency worker, criminal damage and breach of a court order.

Police said the car was located near the scene shortly later.

A spokesperson said: "We're aware of a video being shared online of a police car being driven dangerously in Kirkholt over the weekend.

"This happened after an officer left the car to bravely detain a 28-year-old man in a nearby shop following a pursuit.

"Someone decided to get into the car and behave in this unacceptable manner and now believe we have identified them for further action."

The video posted on Tiktok has now received more than 3.7 million views.