A member of the public helped catch a suspected prolific shoplifter by tripping him up as he was chased by police.

Officers were visiting Morden Hall Park on Friday, May 22, for a meeting with park management team about shoplifting when the incident happened.

PS Nick Tooher and PC Mark Belcher from the Morden Neighbourhood Policing Team were told there had been some shoplifting at the newly re-opened garden centre, where several items of clothing had been stolen.

Borough commander Stuart Macleod said in his weekly bulletin that the officers went to review the shop’s security when they spotted a man helping himself to several jackets before trying to leave without paying.

D Chief Supt Macleod said: "He immediately ran off with the officers in hot pursuit. 

"Whilst the officers tell me that they are confident that they would have caught him anyway, a passing member of the public stuck out a leg and tripped him up and he was then detained.

"£220 worth of jackets were recovered and he was identified as a prolific shoplifter."

A National Trust spokesperson said: "We are thankful for the Metropolitan Police's support and vigilance and for including us in their regular patrols.

"The National Trust reopened the newly improved garden centre at Morden Hall Park in April and we work closely with the Met to ensure that the whole park is a safe and enjoyable place to visit."