A WIDESPREAD manhunt for a suspected burglar ended when he was spotted cowering in a Tuffley garden.
Neighbours saw Nathan Hibberd, 38, who was wanted in connection with two burglaries in the city, crouched down in the garden of an empty property.
But by the time police arrived, who had been searching on foot and by helicopter, Hibberd was on the roof of the home in Fox Elms Road.
Officers raced to the scene at 8.45am on Saturday and arrested him, but neighbours were left stunned and upset by the discovery.
Neighbours were shocked after police cars raced to the scene.
One said the most important event in recent months has been the removal and reinstatement of a postbox.
Retired Eve Davies said: "The road was completely blocked off by the police.
"I have lived here since 1964 and nothing like this has ever happened. It is usually very quiet and you don't get a lot of trouble.
"I had only gone out to pick my broad beans when I heard the commotion."
Another said: "I am shocked. I had gone out to work and my wife and our newborn were in the house alone. We have only been here a year but it is normally a quiet area."
Hibberd, of Winnycroft Lane, in Matson, was later charged with burglary.
He is due to appear at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court this morning after being bailed.
On Friday police put out a widespread appeal to locate him while Crimestoppers stumped up a £1,000 reward.
Hibberd was wanted in connection with burglaries in Henry Road, Kingsholm, and Coronation Grove, Wotton, on Tuesday last week.
Neighbours reported to police that they saw a 6ft white man crouching in the garden.
He is said to have had a skin head and was wearing Hawaiian shorts and a hooded top.
