A reformed shoplifter turned have-a-go hero and caught a thief.

Hysen Muca, 38, was working in a charity shop in Brassey Parade, Eastbourne, when he saw a teenager snatching £50 from a woman at a cash machine opposite and gave chase.

Albanian Mr Muca, of Havelock Road, Eastbourne, said: "My manager said, 'Go after him' so I did."

He chased the thief for a mile on one of the hottest days of the year before the crook vanished into some woods.

Mr Muca reluctantly gave up the chase but was later able to lead police to him.

Mr Muca joined officers as they scoured the area where the teenager had disappeared.

He spotted him in Broadwater Way and the 18-year-old suspect was arrested.

Married father-of-three Mr Muca, who had been doing community service in the Age Concern shop for a petty theft conviction, said: "I was so happy we caught him.

"It was very hot and the running was hard work.

"I'm pleased for the lady whose money he took."

Mr Muca said he had seen the teenager hanging around by the charity shop shortly before the theft.

Money was recovered from the suspect, who has been released on bail until July 24 so police can carry out further investigations.

Mr Muca, known as H, has been an Eastbourne resident for eight years.

He was back at work yesterday at the car wash he runs at Langdon shopping centre, Eastbourne.

A Sussex Probation Service spokesman said: "We would like to extend congratulations to Mr Muca for both his initiative and his fitness.

"This was a very public-spirited thing to do and a highly unusual way to pay back the community."

Inspector Di Roskilly, of Sussex Police, said thefts at cash machines were rare in Eastbourne.

She said: "While we would always urge the public not to put themselves at risk, we would like to thank Mr Muca for his extremely public-minded actions."