An off-duty policeman arrested a suspected car thief who he saw apparently trying to break into a parked van in a town centre street.

Sgt Matt Walker, of Wolverhampton Police Station, was walking down Castle Street, Wolverhampton, when he spotted a man who looked as though he was about to break into a van.

Despite it being his day off, the officer gave chase and pounced on the suspect, wrestling him to the floor in front of shocked passers-by, who didn’t quite know what to make of the scene unfolding before them.

He then called his colleagues at nearby Bilston Street police station and uniformed officers turned up to take over. The incident happened at around 3.45pm yesterday just next to the Express & Star’s head offices, and was captured on camera by one of our photographers.

Sgt Walker then told the Express & Star he was just doing his job.

“I was just passing at the time,” he said.

“The lad was arrested on suspicion of theft. It appeared he was trying to take something from someone’s car. He will now be taken to Wolverhampton Police Station.”

A spokesman for West Midlands Police said in a statement released today that officers were continuing to question a man on suspicion of attempted theft.

The statement added: “An off-duty police officer saw a 26-year-old man attempting to break into a van on Castle Street in Wolverhampton.

“The officer gave chase and caught the offender, arresting him for attempt theft of motor vehicle.

“A 26-year-old man is currently in custody helping police with their inquiries.”