A part-time DJ from Rudloe has received a police bravery award for detaining a thief who threatened him with a knife. Anthony Davis, of Sandy Leigh, near Corsham, received his accolade at the Wiltshire Police Awards at the Corn Exchange, Devizes, the only civilian recipient.

The 24-year-old security officer detained a man who stole a gold necklace worth £599 from Argos in Borough Parade Shopping Centre, Chippenham, in March.

Mr Davis, who works for Unique Security in Radstock, and runs a mobile disco, said: “I was looking through the catalogue when I heard screaming and commotion.

“I turned around and I a shop assistant was screaming in pain. I later learned the thief had snapped her finger back to get the necklace.

“I chased him into the lorry bay behind Superdrug and he was cornered. He said: ‘I’ve got a knife’. I stepped back and he ran past me, and I took his legs out and restrained him.

“I told him I was making a citizen’s arrest and called the police.”

The former Corsham School pupil received his award by Wiltshire Chief Constable Brian Moore.

He added: “My friends and family are very proud of me. But my partner, Laura, told me off afterwards.”

* A 22-year-old man will appear at Chippenham Magistrates Court on August 2, charged with theft, assault and a public order offence.