A SHOPLIFTER escaped with around £50 of spirits in a car chase in Cirencester town centre on Monday.

The driver of the white Vauxhall Insignia car and a second man were spotted by a customer as they attempted to steal alcohol from Marks and Spencer on Dyer Street at around 1.30pm.

Police arrested a 53-year-old from Kingsdown in Bristol while he loaded the rental car, but the driver sped off and failed to stop for a pursuing officer.

Investigations are ongoing.