A man has been arrested and an officer attacked following an attempted theft in New Malden.

Police were called to the High Street Wilko at 4.40pm on Saturday (October 20) following reports of a shoplifter trying to make off.

Police attended and found members of the public assisting one of the officers attempting to detain the suspect who was fighting to get away.

The suspect, a man aged 47 was subsequently arrested by attending officers on suspicion of theft and going equipped to steal.

The suspect was taken to a south London police station for questioning where he was further arrested for assault.

The officer who initially worked to detain the shoplifter suffered injuries to his hand and was taken to hospital.

If you have any information concerning this incident, you are asked to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or 101 quoting reference CAD 5321/20OCT.