Police aided by age of innocence

The age of innocence has proved costly for a suspected burglar who was shopped by his three-year-old sister, writes Richard Smith.

Three police officers made a dawn swoop on the 15-year-old's Birmingham home after a tip-off about two house raids in which a computer, television and hi-fi system were stolen.

The suspect's mother and brother both insisted he was not in, but the toddler told officers: "He is hiding in the wardrobe."

DC Tony Stead said: "He was not too pleased that his little sister had dropped him in it. It shows children that age can only tell the truth because they are so innocent - and that is nice."