TWO brave 15-year-old Stourbridge students have been hailed heroes after chasing a suspected burglar down the street and holding him until police arrived.

Gutsy Julian Richardson and Jonathan Ferguson - pupils at Elmfield School in Oldswinford - gave chase when they saw a suspicious man coming out of a nearby house, sprinting 100-metres down the road before rugby tackling the offender to the ground.

The man tried to struggle free - but was unable to fight off the young American football and rugby playing teens, who were swiftly lent a hand by the school’s caretaker Steve Bresnahan.

Both teachers and the owner of the house have since heaped praise on the quick-thinking pair for their courageous actions.

Grateful homeowner Richard Hutchins said: “They were particularly brave - they didn’t know if this guy was going to be armed with a knife or anything.

“I just think they are magnificent citizens - they did a wonderful job, putting their safety on the line for the sake of the local community.”

Ann Gulbis, chairman of the college of teachers at Elmfield, also told the News: “I was very impressed with what they did. I wasn’t surprised when I heard it was them. They’re the kind of characters that would do something like that.”

Julian, who lives in Stourbridge and plays for Birmingham Bulls American football team, said: “We didn’t think about it actually; it just felt like the natural thing to do.”

Jonathan, from Moseley - a flanker for Moseley Titans, said: “We just took our chance. I’d definitely do it again.”

Stourbridge Police Inspector Sarah Galloway said a man has been since been charged with burglary and is awaiting a court appearance.