Off Duty Officer Bitten

24 April 2013, 11:42 | Updated: 25 April 2013, 11:36

A man's appeared in court after an off-duty officer's bitten in the face while trying to tackle a suspected shoplifter in Luton.

The officer had been shopping in Sainsbury' Store in Quantock Rise, Luton on the evening of Tuesday 23 April 2013 when security staff noticed a man stealing goods.

The officer saw the man being chased by security staff from the store and joined in the chase.

When the shoplifter stopped, the DI identified himself and was then hit in the face, causing cuts. As the officer continued to arrest the man he was bitten several times on his face.

The detective was taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries before being released.

Jason Witty, 35, from Five Springs, Luton, was arrested and later charged with attempted wounding, theft from a shop and a public order offence.  He was due before Luton Magistrates Court on Thursday 25 April 2013.