A MEMBER of the public was threatened with a chainsaw in the street after confronting a gang of thieves.

Catalytic converter thieves targeted a hybrid car parked outside the Co-op on Knutsford Road in Grappenhall at around 5pm on Friday, October 16, as the owner shopped inside.

She returned to her vehicle to find two men removing the part with a chainsaw before running to get help.

When another man approached the criminals, they reportedly brandished the saw at him.

It is believed that the same offenders targeted a similar vehicle parked near to Padgate Medical Centre on Station Road South around half an hour previously.

Three men have since been arrested and charged in connection with the incidents.

Seamus Maughan, Terence Mongan and Francis Mongan, all of Leicestershire, were detained after officers stopped a car in the area of Gemini Retail Park at around 8.30pm the same day.

The trio – aged 38, 45 and 19 respectively – have since been charged with two counts of theft and going equipped for theft.

Maughan was also charged with driving while disqualified.

All three appeared at Warrington Magistrates Court via video link on Monday, October 19, and have been remanded into custody ahead of an appearance before Crewe Magistrates Court next week.