A MAN was arrested in a town centre doctors surgery in front of staff and patients following an alleged attempted theft at a town centre shop.

Police said the suspect was also arrested for shouting racist abuse at a member of the public in the surgery and assaulting an emergency worker.

The incident began when a male was seen by police allegedly trying to steal items in Marks & Spencer on Tuesday morning (June 11).

A pursuit then took place down Monnow Street and along the Howells Place path before staff and patients at Castle Gate surgery witnessed a man running in and locking himself in the toilet.

After emerging, he was then detained by a PCSO as staff ushered patients into the corner of the waiting room, before more police officers arrived and made an arrest.

A witness who was in the surgery at the time said: "It's not something you expect to see at the doctors on a Tuesday morning, but the staff handled it all very well and kept patients safe."

A Gwent Police spokesperson confirmed: "While on patrol on Monnow Street, Monmouth, at around 10.45am on Tuesday, June 11, our officers allegedly witnessed a man attempting to steal items from a shop.

"The man has then left the shop, followed by officers, and entered a local doctors practice where he has allegedly racially abused a member of the public and reportedly assaulted an emergency worker.

"The man, a 47-year-old, from Monmouth, was then arrested on suspicion of assault, attempted shoplifting, burglary and racially aggravated public order.

"The man has since been charged with the offences, including assault by beating, assault by beating of an emergency worker, theft from a shop, and burglary other than dwelling - theft."

Gwent Police Monmouthshire Officers posted on Wednesday: “A male from Monmouth has been charged and remanded for multiple theft offences and assaults. “Following good work from Neighbourhood Policing Team officers and Team 5 officers, the male was arrested and later charged with six offences. He will now be put in front of court.”

Castle Gate Surgery were asked to comment.