Security guard, 20, is arrested after Asda shoplifter he tackled was killed when glass bottles he had concealed shattered
The doorman was understood to have been working in a shopping complex when he suspected a man of stealing
A SECURITY guard who tackled an Asda shoplifter has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after the suspect was fatally injured when glass bottles he concealed were shattered.
The shoplifter, a homeless man in his 30s, is believed to have suffered fatal wounds when the bottle he was carrying smashed.
The 20-year-old doorman was understood to have been working in a shopping complex when he suspected a man, 30, of stealing.
He pursued him across The Shires car park near Asda in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, and "tackled" the would-be thief - causing glass bottles he was concealing to smash.
Police said the shards caused "significant injury" to the man and he died.
Detective Chief Inspector Jeremy Carter said the victim is understood to be from Cornwall.
He said: "The security guard was from a shop in the area, that is all we can say at this time.
"The man who died is believed to have connections with Wiltshire but is possibly from Cornwall.
"He was homeless and it is believed he lived in the Trowbridge area.
"Just after 3pm yesterday the police were called to the shopping centre to reports of an altercation between a security guard and a member of the public.
"As a result a man has died. There was a significant attempt from the emergency services to save the man's life.
"A post mortem is due to be carried out to find the cause of death.
"We are examining the CCTV footage from the area and appealing for witnesses.
"It was a very busy time with people leaving school and shopping.
"Anyone who may have information are asked to call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers."
The security guard from Trowbridge was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and remains in police custody pending further enquiries.
DCI Jeremy Carter said: "The man arrested is a security guard from a local store.
"He tackled the suspected shoplifter causing a number of glass bottles he was concealing to smash.
"This caused a significant injury to the man, who despite the best efforts from paramedics, sadly died."
The incident happened at around 3pm on Thursday.
Police said formal identification is yet to be carried out and a post mortem was due to be carried out this afternoon on the man who is of no fixed address.
Officers asked anyone in the area at the time of the incident to call Wiltshire Police on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Locals today hit out at the arrest of the security guard who was "just doing his job".
Writing on Facebook, Natasha Henderson said: "This is ridiculous! The security guard has been arrested for doing him (sic) job!"
Ben Clinch added: "Security guard should not be arrested for doing his job.
"Police should careful what message they give out to other criminals.
"The bloke didn't deserve to die of course not, but security guards are pointless if they are not empowered to protect property."
Sharon Reeves added: "That is so sad. The poor bloke was only doing his job."
And Jason Bartlett commented: "Like the security guard wanted that to happen.
"While it's sad the man died you have to say if he didn't have stolen glass bottles down his trousers you wouldn't need to run and then smash them."
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