Exclusive:Man injured by Greggs thief who ended up leaving empty-handed as police launch investigation

A man who tried to stop a shoplifter in a bakery was left with scratch marks and “blood all over” as police launch an investigation.

On Wednesday, July 15, police were called to Greggs in Commercial Road, Portsmouth, after reports that a robbery was taking place. They confirmed that a member of the public was also injured in the incident.

That man has since spoken to The News about his experience, although he asked to remain anonymous.

He said: “An intoxicated male went into Greggs, took boxes of food and tried to leave the store without paying.

“I put the shoplifter in a hold, and as I shouted out for someone to call police and to get the supervisor, he then tried to escape and got more violent. I had to put him on the floor and then put him in a lock, with my legs and arms.

“His friends then came - one of them identified himself as a policeman and showed me a blank piece of paper - the other guy tried to unlock my legs around the shoplifter I had on the ground.

“I unlocked him as I was outnumbered and I got up, just in case all three of them jumped me. I had scratch marks on my neck, blood all over back of my shirt and cut to the thumb.

“I only tried stopping him because the business makes the food to sell. I wouldn’t want it if I was trying to run a business, people stealing and nothing being done about it.”

A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary explained that the investigation is still ongoing, with the assailant fleeing the scene empty-handed.

They said: “We were called at 12.49pm on 15 July to a report of a robbery in Commercial Road, Portsmouth. A man stole food items from Greggs and was then apprehended by a member of the public, who sustained minor injuries.

“The unknown male then left the scene without the food items.

“If anyone has any information about this incident, please call 101 quoting reference 44260338122.”

No arrests have been made at the time of publication.