Have-a-go hero praised for trying to stop shoplifter stealing beer from Irthlingborough store

A have-a-go hero has been praised for stepping in to stop a shoplifter escaping with beer from an Irthlingborough store.

Matt Ilott and partner Petrina Faulkner went for a walk on Tuesday but their quiet evening didn't last long.

As they arrived at the Tesco Express store in High Street just after 8pm, two men ran out carrying crates of beer on their shoulders.

The pair didn't think anything of it immediately but as they entered the store, the shop assistant said they hadn't paid for the items.

Petrina, who was stood outside the shop with dog Milo, said: "There was another man coming out and Matt jumped on him in the doorway and stopped him from getting away."

After getting him back into the shop, Matt managed to get him to the floor but he threw a punch which struck Matt on the neck and side of his face.

Petrina said: "It was just so quick.

"Matt tried to keep him on the ground but this guy managed to slither away."

Matt, 28, is currently awaiting an operation so Petrina was terrified that if he got injured his operation would be postponed again as it already has been due to coronavirus.

She was also worried about Matt trying to detain this man while people are being urged to social distance to stop the spread of Covid-19.

But luckily Matt seems ok after the incident and Petrina is keen for his efforts to be recognised.

She said: "For Matt to just go in there and not even think about Covid-19, he's done a really brave thing.

"And even if it wasn't for Covid-19, the man could have had a knife on him or anything.

"He's also waiting for his operation so I think he's done a brave job."

While Matt just wants to see the men responsible for this caught, Petrina would love to see his bravery recognised.

She said: "He's done a really good job.

"It's about community spirit and protecting people, that's how I see it.

"I am really proud of him for what he did."

The store has taken Matt's details and Petrina is hoping they will contact him following the incident.

The Northants Telegraph contacted Tesco and a spokesman for the supermarket chain said: “The safety and security of our colleagues and customers is our highest priority.

"We wish our customer a speedy recovery, and are supporting the police in their investigations.”

A spokesman for Northants Police said: "This happened on Tuesday at about 8.10pm when a man tried to detain another man he believed to be shoplifting.

"While doing this he was punched in the face and the shoplifter ran off."

Petrina said the three men who ran out of the shop were all white and aged around 30.

Anyone with information about the incident or who saw the three men running away from the shop can call police on 101.