TWO plucky binmen tracked down a suspected shoplifter as they gave chase in their bin lorry in Ross-on-Wye.

Andrew Wheeler and Peter Elliott, both aged 40, were sitting in their bin lorry having a break outside Superdrug in Market Place last Wednesday when they saw a sales assistant chase a man out of the shop.

As the man ran away, Mr Elliott and Mr Wheeler called to the shopkeeper to jump in their lorry and they called the police, as they gave chase down Broad Street.

Mr Wheeler said: "A 28-tonne dustbin lorry is not the ideal police car to be racing around the street in, but we had flashing lights, so what else do you want?"

They followed him into Kyrle Street and turned left before spotting the man in Morley Square.

Mr Wheeler added: "We stopped the lorry and chased him down the alleyway and then apprehended him.

"We had a struggle with him trying to hold onto him. As we walked him back to the lorry the police arrived."

The man made one more break for freedom, but they ran after him and caught him in New Street before police took over. He is alleged to have stolen £250 worth of Olay skincare products.

The duo, from Hereford, work for FCC Environment.

Their manager, Paul Morris, said: "It is not something we, as a company, promote.

"What would have happened if the man had pulled out a knife or something?

"They put themselves in danger and shops are insured for these types of things. But, they were on a break, and it was in their own time, so on this occasion, they have done well."

Police said a 44-year-old male was apprehended in New Street and was already wanted on warrant.

If you have any details regarding this incident call police on 101 quoting incident number 0267-S-130515.