AN off duty police officer, who chased and caught a man stealing alcohol from the Co-Op in Westbury in flip-flops, has been awarded the Chief Constable's Certificate of Commendation.

PC Philip Zych, who is based in Chippenham, was presented with his award at the annual Force Awards Ceremony in Devizes on Thursday, December 1 for the professionalism and courage he showed in pursuing the prolific offender.

After catching and arresting the man outside the store on September 14, the 30-year-old was assaulted and threatened with a needle.

"It is scary when you are not on duty," PC Zych said. "I was not in uniform and I did not have any of my usual tools and I was walking across to Co-Op in my flip flops and shorts and when I saw him with what I assumed was his partner and they were concealing items. So I went to tell a member of staff but I could see them walking out of the exit.

"I ran after them and he did not believe I was a police officer so I showed him my warrant card and he got quite abusive and violent and threatened me with a needle. In all honesty, I did not think about it. Once I got hold of him I was not going to let go as that would have given him an opportunity but he did not have a needle in his hand nor did he have one when we got him to custody."

The 30-year-old, who joined the force nearly four years ago following a life-long dream, detained the man until backup arrived. The man, who was wanted for more multiple offences, has now been charged with theft, assaulting a police officer and public order offences.

His fiancee Jenna, who was at the awards ceremony, said she was very proud of her partner.