Officers arrest man on suspicion of shoplifting and drug offences in Totton

Officers responding to reports of shoplifting in Totton yesterday (15 April) have arrested a man in connection with the incident.

At around 5.10pm, two men entered a Co-Op store on Rumbridge street, picked up various items totalling approximately £143, and left the store making no attempts to pay.

Officers were alerted to the incident by a member of the public and a short foot pursuit ensued; detaining two men in the process.

A man was searched, but was found not to have any items in his possession.

While the other offender, a 34-year-old man, was detained following a struggle with officers. A verbal and physical altercation occurred, and he assaulted two officers. A quantity of Class A drugs were also located.

He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of one count of theft from a shop, possession of a Class A drug, using threatening / abusive words / behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress and three counts of assault of an emergency worker.

He remains in custody at this time.