A 23-year-old man has been arrested in Bolton after allegedly assaulting a security officer with a needle during a theft at Sainsbury’s.
The suspect is accused of attempting to steal £300 worth of goods from the supermarket on Tuesday.
When confronted by security staff, he allegedly dragged them outside the store and used a needle to prick their hands before fleeing with the stolen items.
The man was detained yesterday morning in Bolton town centre following a “struggle” with officers.
The 23-year-old is accused of attempting to steal £300 worth of goods from Bolton’s Sainsbury’s store on Tuesday
At the time of his arrest, he was found with items recently stolen from Poundland.
Greater Manchester Police said the man had entered the Sainsbury’s store and concealed the goods on his person.
He then attempted to leave without making any attempt to pay.
Security staff intervened to stop the theft, which led to the violent confrontation.
The incident occurred at the Bolton branch of Sainsbury’s on Tuesday, February 25.
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Officers quickly detained the man after what was described as ‘a brief struggle’
PA
The suspect was then spotted in Bolton town centre on Thursday morning, according to police.
Officers quickly detained him after what was described as “a brief struggle” and discovered he was carrying items that had been stolen from Poundland just minutes before his arrest.
A spokesman for GMP Bolton confirmed the man was arrested on suspicion of both robbery and theft.
The 23-year-old remains in custody for questioning in connection with both incidents.
A GMP Bolton spokesman said: “The male is alleged to have entered the store, concealed £300 worth of stock on himself, and attempted to leave without making any attempt to pay.”
‘The male is alleged to have entered the store, concealed £300 worth of stock on himself, and attempted to leave without making any attempt to pay,’ police said
“When stopped by security staff, he has assaulted them by dragging them outside the store and using a needle to prick their hand, before making off with the goods.”
Police added that the suspect “was spotted in Bolton Town Centre this morning and quickly detained after a brief struggle”.
“At the time of his arrest, he has been found in possession of items stolen from Poundland minutes earlier,” a statement continued.
“He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and theft, and remains in custody for questioning.”
