A BURGLAR was caught red-handed by police after a member of the public flagged down officers while they were on their daily patrols.

Neighbourhood officers Sergeant Tom Ellerby and PCSO Daniel Catterick had been carrying out a cycle patrol in Tidworth on Tuesday afternoon.

They were flagged down by a member of the public reporting a burglary in progress at their home address.

The officers attended the scene, supported by colleagues from Wiltshire police's Amesbury team, and found the suspect at the address alongside the stolen property.

The culprit was subsequently arrested on suspicion of burglary and taken to Melksham police station for further questioning.

Sgt Ellerby said: “The actions of today show that amidst the difficult issues we are all faced with at this time we are still dedicated to preventing crime and catching criminals.

“I can only praise the member of the public who brought this to our attention, and not taking matters into their own hands.

“We will continue to be robust with those who continue to offend and break the law.”