POLICE sprang into action when they spotted a security guard in hot pursuit of a cyclist.

The drama, captured by Evening Advertiser photographer Matthew Swingler, began as the officers were walking along Curtis Street .

The cyclist was being chased along an alleyway at the rear of the Rolleston Pub just after noon yesterday.

The three officers ran to help the guard, who had caught the 25-year-old man, from Penhill, and was sitting on him. He was arrested for breaching bail conditions banning him from entering town centre retail outlets, and led away in handcuffs.

Matthew, 32, said: "I was talking to these police officers when there was a noise behind me.

"They looked over my shoulder, and when I turned round I saw a security guard holding this guy down by lying on top of him.

"The police raced over and arrested him.

"It's not every day you see a news story happen in front of your eyes.

"My first reaction was to go for my camera."