The couple were driving in Briercliffe Road behind a BMW which hit a parked car before pulling over on Sunday at 12-08 p.m. when they also stopped.

The young man immediately took the keys from the driver while his girlfriend phoned the police. Minutes later police arrived and the man tested positive for alcohol in a roadside breath test.

Sgt Phil Hutchinson, of Burnley Police, praised the actions of the couple which he said could have prevented a serious accident.

He said: "The couple were travelling behind the BMW and were obviously concerned that it appeared to be driving erratically and dangerously. This was certainly the case when the BMW hit a parked car knocking its wing-mirror off. The BMW driver's breath test showed he was nearly four times over the alcohol driving limit.

"While we don't normally encourage the public to take direct action, the couple's swift response may well have prevented a more serious accident and possibly even saved a life."

Sgt Hutchinson said drink-driving was becoming increasingly socially unacceptable and police now received more tip-offs from the public about the offence.

A 46-year-old motorist from the Burnley area was due to appear before Burnley magistrates yesterday.