A pharmacy owner has praised his staff and customers after they apprehended a suspected shoplifter at the weekend.

Police were called to Total Health Pharmacy in Gregor Shanks Way, Watton, at 12.15pm on Saturday.

Officers arrested a man on suspicion of shoplifting.

Geoff Ray, 45, owner of Total Health Pharmacy, said that before police arrived, a regular customer stood in front of the door. He added that Dalazs Varadi, store manager, stopped the suspect from leaving.

Mr Ray believed four other members of staff were in the store at the time and they also helped prevent the man from escaping. No-one was injured.

He praised the 'fantastic' community spirit.

'It is really nice that a community can stand up for what is good and right.

'I would personally like to thank the staff and customers for their support,' he added.

The police arrived quickly and arrested the man, according to Mr Ray.

CCTV was installed at the store eight months ago and the owner said officers took away footage from the store as part of their investigation.

Joseph Atherton, 40, of St John's Way, in Thetford, was charged with the theft of 11 bottles of perfume and will appear before Norwich magistrates on November 15.

Total Health Pharmacy, an independent business, was established in Watton five years ago.