A SCHOOLBOY has been praised by the police after he helped an officer make an arrest during a 'violent struggle'.

Rhys Baldwin, from Bishop Fox's School, received a letter of thanks from the superintendent after an incident on March 20.

An off-duty police officer was near Tesco on Priorswood Road in Taunton when he saw some suspicious activity.

With the help of the young man, an arrest was made after three offenders tried to steal some food.

Rhys Hughes, superintendent head of patrol, said: "Rhys Baldwin was walking along Plais Street when a man called out to him asking for help.

"PC Stewart Cuthbert was off duty and out of uniform when he saw three men entering Tesco. Two of them are well-known to the police for bulk thefts from shops."

The police officer followed the men into the shop where he caught them in the process of stealing joints of meat.

An 'altercation' and foot-chase followed which results in him being allegedly attacked by the three offenders.

Superintendent Hughes said: "After a violent struggle two of the men managed to run off, leaving one to be arrested for assault of police.

"Still struggling with this offended, PC Cuthbert caught sight of Rhys walking by and called out saying he was an off-duty police officer and asked him to call the police on 999.

"Rhys immediately made the phone call and remained at the scene calmly reporting what was happening to the emergency call-taker, clearly relaying the information PC Cuthbert was giving him."

Somerset County Gazette:

Rhys's letter of thanks. 

The school plans to give the brave schoolboy a Headteachers Commendation Award for his part in the action.

The young man said: "I was worried about calling the police as I had never done anything like that before. I was concerned that I would do something wrong.

"Getting the letter made me feel really good - I would definitely try to help in a situation like that again."

Superintendent Hughes added: "As a young man, this incident must have been very frightening to witness.

"Thanks to Rhys's excellent response and brave assistance, PC Cuthbert received help from on-duty officers promptly and the offender was duly arrested.

"Thank you, Rhys."