A shopper has described how a group of suspected teenage shoplifters nicked trainers from a retail outlet before running off towards railway tracks as they were pursued by security guards.

Guards from the Ashford Designer Outlet were allegedly joined by a police community support officer (PCSO) and officers from the British Transport Police in the chase at 4.15pm yesterday afternoon (Wednesday, October 5).

Eyewitness Bradley Woollett said he had walked out of ASDA when he saw the group of youths sprinting away from the stores in Kimberley Way, heading towards the railway line.

He said: “I was walking between ASDA and Park Farm via the Willesborough dykes when three teenagers ran past me, closely followed by a security guard from the outlet.

“The teenagers then scaled the railway fence adjacent to the path and made their way onto the Ashford to Brighton railway line, which they ran along toward park farm.

“The guards and PCSO eventually caught up with the boys, although they refrained from going on the tracks.

“They kept running towards Hamstreet and were eventually removed at the East Stour foot crossing near Park Farm with the assistance of the British Transport Police. They were taken away in a police car.”

Kent Police, the British Transport Police and the Ashford Designer Outlet have been approached for comment.