QUICK thinking by two binmen while on their rest break in Ross-on-Wye resulted in the arrest of an alleged shoplifter last week – after they gave chase using their 28 tonne bin truck.

The pair, Andrew Wheeler and Peter Elliot, both aged 40, who work for refuse collection company FCC Environment, were enjoying their short break outside the Superdrug store on Market Street, when they spotted a member of the shop staff chasing a man along the street.

Calling on the staff member to jump into the truck, they called police as they raced down Broad Street in hot pursuit.

Eventually cornering the alleged thief in Morley Square, accompanied by shop manageress Victoria Jones, they then waited for police to arrive, but even then the culprit managed to give them the slip and he was eventually arrested by West Mercia police officers in New Street.

Police later confirmed that a 44-year-old man had been arrested in New Street, and that he was already a wanted man, with a warrant out for his arrest.

An FCC Environment spokesman said: "As a business we aim to make an active contribution to the communities we serve and Paul and Andrew's quick thinking and actions showed real community spirit."