A QUICK-THINKING ten-year-old photographer snapped two suspected criminals fleeing from their smashed getaway car.

Vincent Pamenter, who never leaves his house without his trusty camera, has now passed the incriminating photos to police.

Budding photographer Vincent caught the two men on camera running from their mangled car in Palmerston Road, Walthamstow.

Police believe the two men snatched a handbag in Eastern Avenue, Ilford, last week.

The pair were spotted and followed by officers on Monday, from Church Hill Road into Palmerston Road where the two men lost control of their car and crashed into a brick wall.

PC Richard White ran after the driver but lost him in Hatherley Road.

Police sniffer dogs searched the area and found a baseball cap, believed to be the driver's, in a front garden.

The hat and the abandoned car, a black Vauxhall Cavalier registration J776 SGJ are being examined by police forensics.

PC White, from the Waltham Forest Intelligence Unit, said he hopes to use Vincent's photo to trace the wanted men.

Speaking to the Guardian, PC White praised the plucky ten-year-old's actions: "We can only commend this young lad's public spirit, and we wish him the very best of luck in his future chosen career as a photographer."

Vincent wrote to the Guardian last year asking for career advice on photo journalism and was told by photographer Ken Mears to build up a portfolio.

The ten-year-old's dedication to his chosen career path has now paid off with a great picture to add his collection.

Vincent said: "I feel excellent, but none of my friends believe me when I tell them what happened. I was just walking to the shops when I saw this car spin out of control and crash.

"I always carry my camera around with me in my pocket so I quickly started taking photos of the men as they ran away."

He added: "I always ask my mum and dad for camera equipment for my birthday and Christmas, and I am saving up for a digital camera."

The ten-year-old's dad said: "Vincent has been taking photos since he was five-years-old, he really is very talented. His mum and I are so proud."

The two suspects are described as white men, possibly with Irish accents, the first was wearing a black baseball cap. The second was wearing a grey hooded top and a blue jacket.

Anyone with information should contact PC White on 8556 8855, extension 22318 or if they wish to remain anonymous contact crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

April 30, 2003 10:00