Merseyside Police PCs deny refusing to stop Tesco thief

Four police officers refused to help deal with a shoplifter before driving away from the scene, a misconduct hearing has been told.

PCs Jonathan Webb, Mark Higgins, Joanne Parr and Paul Birch were in a car when Tesco staff on Dale Street, Liverpool, allegedly flagged them down.

Passenger PC Webb wound down his window but declined assistance, saying he was not "kitted up", the hearing was told.

The officers all deny breaching standards of professional behaviour.

The hearing was told Tesco deputy store manger David Markey asked the officers for help as security officer Shaun Rigby apprehended Roy Fagan, 31, last December.

He reported Mr Rigby was struggling with Fagan - who later admitted assault and stealing £4.62 of whisky - and needed assistance.

It is alleged the officers drove off, failing to provide either direct assistance or assistance by way of causing another patrol to attend.

'Extraordinary and incredible'

The interaction between the officers and Mr Markey was said to have lasted nine seconds.

Mr Markey dialled 999 but, before other officers were able to arrive, Mr Rigby was assaulted by Fagan.

The hearing was told the incident came to the attention of Merseyside Police following a public complaint.

Merseyside Police lawyer James Berry said the force considered it to be "a very serious" complaint.

CCTV played to the panel showed Mr Rigby struggling with Fagan.

The officers said they did not see the struggle, despite it being in close proximity to their car.

PC Webb said Mr Markey did not tell him a shoplifter had been detained and did not ask him for radio assistance.

The panel must decide whether the officers' conduct fell below the standards of professional behaviour and whether it amounted to gross misconduct.

The hearing in Wavertree is expected to last four days.