Two teenage boys are currently in custody on suspicion of kidnap after a car was stolen earlier today (20 February) with the owner’s two children still inside.

We were alerted to the shocking incident just after 5pm when the children’s distraught dad reported his car had been stolen off his driveway in Birmingham with his two young boys, aged two and four, still inside.

Due to the serious nature of the incident, officers from response, traffic and firearms were immediately dispatched along with our dog units and the helicopter to take part in the search.

At one point the stolen car was observed driving the wrong way down a dual carriageway, but armed officers were able to bring the Seat Leon to halt on the A38 Bristol Road near Belgrave Interchange.

Thankfully both children were found safe and well inside the car and reunited with their parents at the roadside.

Two suspects, both aged 15, ran from the vehicle, but were quickly detained and arrested by officers.

They’re now in police custody where they will be questioned on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and kidnap.

Force Incident Manager, Chief Inspector Lee Wiggan said: “This type of incident is every parent’s worst nightmare, but thankfully we were able to stop the car and reunite the family less than fifteen minutes after it was stolen.

“It’s a fantastic outcome to what was a very serious, urgent incident and my thanks go to the officers involved as well as West Midlands Ambulance Service for their support.