pwalker@thekmgroup.co.uk

A suspected shoplifter who tried to steal about £15 worth of wine was “bundled” by police in Maidstone’s Sainsbury’s at about 4.20pm today.

The man, thought to be in his mid to late 20s, was then carried out kicking and screaming into a police van which left about 10 minutes later.

About seven police vehicles arrived at the scene on Romney Place after the man was caught trying to steal three bottles (pictured above) of Sainsbury’s own wine.

Customer assistant Craig Pembel, 26, said: “I just came out from my break and he was on the floor.

“There was a lot of swearing. He was thrashing about and throwing his weight when they all bundled on top of him.

“Then they took him out horizontally.”

Cazenave Kezia, 18, was one of a large group of Paris students who watched the incident in fascination from the car park.

She said: “It’s weird because we don’t have that in France – there was a lot of police for one man – it was very impressive."

English teacher Michel Jolibois, 60, who was taking the students to visit Bodiam Castle in East Sussex, said he thought the police had it all “under control”.