A man has been arrested on suspicion of shoplifting following a short foot chase through Weymouth town centre.

Dorset Police was alerted to a man who had reportedly been stealing Christmas gifts from shops in the town earlier this afternoon (December 2).

Nearby officers on patrol were able to apprehend the suspect on King Street after a chase through the town as the suspect attempted to flee with stolen goods including gift sets and perfumes. 

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "Officers on Op Jingle patrols have just detained and arrested a male on King Street, after it was reported from two retail premises that he was taking his pickings on gift sets and perfumes.

"Officers were nearby and after a short foot pursuit the male was detained and arrested.

"The male is believed to be apart of a wider organised crime targeting retail premises. He is now in police custody."